What Are the 7 Positions in Ballet?

Ballet

The seven positions of the feet and arms in ballet are a fundamental aspect of the technique. They establish the basis for all movements, steps, and poses in ballet, making them an important part of any dancer’s repertoire. The seven positions are referred to as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh positions.

First Position is the most basic of all the ballet positions. It is used in many beginning classes and exercises to help students get accustomed to the technique.

It involves bringing one foot slightly in front of the other so that both feet are placed parallel to each other. The feet should be about shoulder-width apart with toes pointed straight forward. Arms are usually held out in a circular shape with hands facing down towards the floor.

Second Position is an expansion on first position where one foot is moved further away from the other so that they form an open V shape (or a triangle). The back foot should be on its toes with heel lifted off the ground while the front foot stands flat on its entire sole. Arms can be held out similar to first position or can be crossed at chest level so that hands wrap around upper arms or shoulders.

Third Position is similar to second position except this time both feet move away from each other even more so that they form a larger V shape with feet wider apart than before. The back foot once again stands on its toes while front foot remains flat on its entire sole (this time with heel lifted off ground). Arms should remain in same position as before either crossed at chest level or stretched outwards from body (depending on which version was chosen for second position).

Fourth Position is an even greater expansion of third position where one foot moves even further away from other until it forms a line parallel to other foot (i.e., both feet form two sides of rectangle instead just V shape). Arms can remain same as before either crossed at chest level or stretched outwards from body (depending on which version was chosen for previous positions).

Fifth Position is when one leg is placed directly behind other leg so that they form an open line (i., there’s space between legs unlike fourth position where they were directly beside each other). Arms can remain same as before either crossed at chest level or stretched outwards from body depending on which version was chosen for previous positions).

Sixth Position is when one leg extends far behind another leg until it forms a “T” shape with first and second legs forming two sides of rectangle respectively (i., there’s no space between them like fifth position).

Seventh Position requires both legs to extend far behind each other until they form a straight line parallel to each other similar to fourth position but with much more space between them than before (i., there’s much more space between legs than sixth position).

The seven ballet positions are essential elements of any classical dance style and should be practiced regularly in order to maintain proper technique and develop strength and flexibility in all areas of movement involved in dancing balletic steps and poses.

Conclusion:

What Are the 7 Positions in Ballet? The 7 ballet positions are First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Positions – all being fundamental elements of classical dance style necessary for proper technique development along with strength and flexibility gains.