What Are Ballet Positions Called?

Ballet

Ballet is a complex and sophisticated art form, one that requires its dancers to have grace, strength, and flexibility. The core of ballet technique is its positions.

The positions of the arms and feet are a fundamental part of ballet vocabulary and the foundation upon which all other steps are based. These positions are known as ballet positions or simply “positions”.

The five basic ballet positions are first, second, third, fourth, and fifth. Each position has a specific meaning in terms of foot placement and arm placement. In first position, the feet are placed in parallel with the heels touching each other. The arms are held in a circle position with the palms facing up.

In second position, the feet are placed in parallel with the heel of one foot touching the toe of the other foot. The arms remain in a circle position but with palms facing down. Third position places one foot slightly behind the other with both feet pointing outward at an angle to each other and both arms held in an open V-shape.

Fourth position has one foot placed behind the other but this time both feet point inward at an angle to each other and both arms held in an open V-shape as well. Fifth position is similar to fourth except that both feet cross over each other with toes pointing inward and arms held close to either side of your body.

Beyond these five basic positions, there are many more intricate ones such as tendus (a step where you brush your foot along the floor), arabesques (a pose where you stand on one leg while keeping your torso straight), fouettes (a spin where you turn on one leg while keeping your body upright) and many more.

In addition to these basic ballet positions, there is also a variety of arm movements that can be used for added expression or effect when dancing or performing choreography. These include port de bras (the movement of arms from one position to another), épaulement (the use of arms to express emotion), grand battements (a wide kicking motion) and pirouettes (spinning on one leg).

Ballet is an incredibly technical art form that requires extensive practice and dedication from its dancers. Knowing what ballet positions are called is essential for any dancer seeking to progress within their training.

Conclusion: What Are Ballet Positions Called? Ballet has five basic positions – first, second, third, fourth, and fifth – as well as several more intricate ones such as tendus, arabesques, fouettes and grand battements which all require knowledge in order for dancers to progress within their training.