arabesque

Arabesque is a term used in art and dance to describe two related ideas: an ornamental pattern and a ballet pose. In decorative arts, an arabesque is a stylized, intertwining motif of scrolling vegetation—leaves, flowers, and tendrils arranged in a continuous, repeating design. In ballet, the arabesque is a pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body, and the arms held to create a long, harmonious line.

The pattern has its origins in Islamic art, where repeating abstract forms and interlacing lines were used to create complex, non-figurative decoration on architecture, manuscripts, ceramics, and metalwork. The term Arabesque entered Western art vocabulary via French and Italian usage in the early modern period to describe similar decorative scrollwork and ornamentation.

In traditional arabesque design, motifs are interlaced and often symmetrical, contributing a sense of rhythm and endless repetition. The motifs are frequently combined with geometric patterns or calligraphy and appear across media such as metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and architectural surfaces. The emphasis is on balance, continuity, and intricate line work rather than narrative or representational imagery.

In ballet, the arabesque pose has several variations depending on leg height, arm positions, and the alignment of the torso. It requires strong core stability, precise hip and spine alignment, and a long line from the fingertips to the toes. The pose serves as a foundational element in choreography, offering aesthetic extension, projection, and musical phrasing.

Today, arabesque motifs remain common in decorative arts, graphic design, and architectural ornament, where the term denotes sinuous, continuous line work inspired by historical patterns.