subject: Ballet Positions - The Basic 5 Ballet Positions [print this page] Ballet Positions - The Basic 5 Ballet Positions
Though the first 5 positions by no means represent a mastery of ballet, they do form the foundation for almost every position. If you do each correctly, the movement from one to the other is fluid and beautiful. Be sure to always point your toes when moving feet from one position to the next!
1st position: In first position your toes and feet are turned out completely, as if you were stretching your feet out against the wall in front of you. Your heels should be touching. For beginners, achieving a full 180-degree turnout is very difficult. Be sure to turn from your hips and not your ankles for those extra degrees. When done properly, 1st position looks as if someone twisted your leg from the hip; knees are also fully turned to the outside. Your arms should be rounded and almost fully outstretched, as if you were lightly hugging a massive volleyball into your belly; pinkies in line with your stomach, elbows slightly bent and palms facing towards your nose.
2nd position: The angle of your feet is identical in first and second positions, but instead of having heels touch you put a foots length between left and right heels. Hands and arms also pull away from each other fully. Make sure not to let your elbows drop!
3rd position: In the third position you bring your dominant foot in front of the other (usually the left foot). The heel of your front foot should be snuggled between the arch and instep of the back foot. In third position leave one of your arms out to the side but bring the other back in towards your body, as it was for first position. The arm that comes in should be on the side of whichever foot is in the front (generally, the right side is dominant).
4th position: Similar to the difference between first and second positions, in fourth position your feet retain the same figure as in third, but with one foots space between the front and back feet. You are going to bring the extended arm up above your head. Mind your fingers! Your palms should be facing the wall, but the fingers should be pointed slightly downward, towards your face.
5th position: In fifth position, you pull your front leg back so that it rests flush against your back foot. Your front toes should touch your back heel, and back toes should be touching the front. Bring your second arm up as well, so your arms are framing your head and face.
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