Quick answer: an arabesque is a single-leg stunt position, borrowed from ballet terminology, in which the flyer leans forward with the free leg extended straight up and back - very closely related to a scale, with the two names sometimes used interchangeably.
What Does It Look Like?
Like a scale, the flyer balances on one leg with the torso tilted forward and the free leg extended up and behind the body. The name comes from ballet, where an arabesque describes a similar standing position with one leg extended behind.
Who Is Involved?
An arabesque is built by a stunt group - a flyer, a main base supporting the standing leg, an assisting base, and a back spot.
Where It Fits in a Routine
Arabesques commonly appear as a stand-alone stunt or as one position within a sequence of single-leg skills, often shown alongside a scale.
How the Term Is Used
"Arabesque" and "scale" are used somewhat interchangeably in many gyms, though some coaches distinguish between them by exact arm or leg positioning. If your team uses one term specifically, that usage is likely tied to your gym or governing body's own convention.
Related Skills
The arabesque is closely related to the scale, and both are typically built from a liberty or extension.
Level / Division Context
Arabesques are generally introduced alongside scales, once a team is confident with libertys and has sufficient flexibility and core control, often from around Level 2 depending on governing body.
What Judges Look For Conceptually
Judges are generally looking for a stable single-leg base, a controlled forward lean, and a clean overall line held with visible control.
Cheer stunts and tumbling should be learned with qualified supervision, appropriate equipment and proper progressions. This site explains terminology and concepts; it is not a substitute for coaching.
Last checked: Thu Aug 20 2026 01:00:00 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)