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Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds

Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds is a beginner-level balance beam drill that works on balance check, extra arm swing, poor posture and fall. Hold arabesque, passé, and scale positions on beam to build the strength and stillness that keep you on the beam through poses and landings.

Quick facts

Event
Balance Beam
Difficulty
beginner
Equipment
floor line, low beam, balance beam, mat
Time per round
about 5 minutes
Muscles
Core, Glutes, Calves, Lower Back, Hamstrings, Ankles & Feet

How to do Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds

  1. Passé Relevé Hold

    Rise to relevé on one leg with the other foot at the knee (passé). Hold 5 seconds with arms in a set position. 3 each side.

    Cues: Pull up out of the hip · Hips level · Arms still

  2. Arabesque Hold

    Lift the back leg straight behind you, chest up. Hold 5 seconds. 3 each side.

    Cues: Straight standing leg · Back leg lifted from the glute · Chest lifted

  3. Scale Hold

    Lower the chest as the back leg lifts higher toward a scale. Hold 5 seconds. 3 each side.

    Cues: Long line from hands to toes · Square hips · No arm waving

  4. Move to Low Beam

    Repeat all three holds on the low beam. Step down calmly if you lose balance.

    Cues: Eyes on a fixed point · Tight core · Arms still

Fixes these deductions

Builds these skills

Video

Watch a demonstration “Gymnastics Homework: Scale and Arabesque” by Emerald City Gym, on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What does Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds help with?
Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds targets balance check, extra arm swing, poor posture and fall. Hold arabesque, passé, and scale positions on beam to build the strength and stillness that keep you on the beam through poses and landings.
What level is Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds for?
Stickd rates Beam Arabesque & Scale Holds as a beginner drill. It is part of the progression for Step-On Mount (typically Level 1-2) and Beam Full Turn (typically Level 3-4).

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