Unlike other body positions where what it is called may make sense to someone even if they are unfamiliar with All Star Cheer – ‘scorpion’ & ‘needle’ as two examples – the ‘arabesque’ certainly does not have this quality.

After all, what the heck is an ‘arabesque’?

The arabesque in and of itself is a popular and beautiful body position used in cheer, especially in stunting.

It is a skill pulled where a flyer stands on one leg while lifting the other leg straight behind them.

The flyer’s chest stays lifted, their arms usually reach out to the sides like airplane wings, and their body forms a long, stretched line.

When performed correctly, the arabesque shows strength, balance, and grace all at the same time.

Even though it looks simple from far away, it actually requires a lot of practice and teamwork.

It is called an ‘arabesque’ because the body position resembles poses seen in classical ballet, which borrowed the term from ornate, flowing designs in Arabic art.

In an arabesque, the flyer stands tall on their supporting leg and keeps the knee locked but not hyperextended.

The other leg lifts behind them and stays straight, creating a clean line from the toes all the way through the body.

The hips should stay square as much as possible, meaning the flyer does not twist or rotate their body toward one side.

Keeping the hips aligned makes the position look sharper and also helps the flyer stay steady in the air.

Strong core muscles are especially important because they help the athlete hold the pose without wobbling.

The arms in an arabesque are usually stretched straight out to the sides. This helps the flyer stay balanced and also adds to the visual effect of the stunt.

Some routines may change the arm motion slightly depending on choreography, but most teams use standard airplane arms.

The head stays up, and the flyer looks forward, which helps with balance and shows confidence.

Bases and the back spot play a huge role in making the arabesque safe and stable.

The bases must keep their grips solid, stay close to each other, and communicate clearly.

Their job is to support the flyer’s foot and stay steady even if the flyer shifts slightly.

The back spot helps lift, guide, and stabilize the stunt so the flyer feels secure.

Practicing an arabesque usually starts on the ground before moving into the air.

Flyers rehearse by standing on one leg, lifting the other leg behind them, and holding the position for several seconds.

Coaches encourage them to squeeze their core, point their toes, and keep their shoulders squared.

Drills like balancing on a foam block or using a stretch band can help improve stability and flexibility.

Once a flyer can hold the position comfortably on the floor, they work on it in a stunt at a low height before progressing to a full extension.

The arabesque appears in many types of routines because it fits well with pyramid sections, partner stunts, and transitions.

Judges look for clean lines, good posture, confidence, and smooth entrances and exits.

A well-done arabesque can help a team score higher in technique and overall impression. It also adds variety to a routine, especially when combined with spins or creative dismounts.

For athletes, mastering the arabesque can be a confidence booster.

It teaches strength, balance, body control, and trust in teammates. It also encourages good posture and flexibility, which are helpful in other cheer skills like scales, scorpions, and heel stretches.

Over time, athletes learn to control their muscles better and hold the position longer.

The arabesque challenges athletes to stay focused and calm, even when performing under bright lights and loud music during a competition routine in front of judges.

The arabesque is more than just a pose.

It is a skill that combines technique, teamwork, practice, and confidence.

Flyers must train their muscles, and bases must stay steady.

When everything comes together, the arabesque becomes a stunning moment in a routine that shows the artistry of All Star Cheer.