Arabesque Meaning in Gymnastics

An arabesque is a position where a gymnast stands on one straight leg. The athlete lifts the other leg straight behind the body into the air. This back leg must stay perfectly straight without any bend in the knee. The gymnast keeps the chest upright and the arms extended for better balance. The lifted leg should reach a height of at least ninety degrees. This pose creates a long and elegant line from the head to the toe. It shows the strength of the back muscles and the flexibility of the hip. A gymnast performs an arabesque on the balance beam to show stability and poise. The supporting foot must stay firmly planted to avoid any small shaking motions. Pointing the back toes is essential to make the leg look as long as possible. Many athletes use this position to start or end a complex dance sequence. The gymnast must squeeze the back muscles to keep the leg from dropping down. Keeping the eyes forward helps the athlete stay centered on the four inch beam. This move requires the gymnast to engage the core for a solid foundation. Accurate leg height signals to the judges that the athlete has great control.