In Extended Side Angle, where is the top arm directed?

• A. Top arm reaching toward the back wall
• B. Arm resting on the opposite thigh
• C. Top arm reaching to the sky
• D. Arm placed on the thigh

Answer: (C)

In Extended Side Angle, the top arm reaches upward toward the sky, creating a long diagonal from the grounded back foot through the side of the body to the fingertips. This upward reach opens the chest, lengthens the spine, and directs energy along the line from the pelvis through the armpit and out through the top hand. The bottom arm typically rests on the thigh or the floor, while the gaze follows the top hand. Keeping the shoulder away from the ear and lifting through the crown helps maintain this lift. Reaching to the back wall or having the arm rest on the thigh as the top arm would not produce the same length and opening of the side body that the upward reach provides.