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