What is a ballet position?

In classical ballet , a ballet position refers to any of the five fundamental positions of the feet. These positions are the foundation for all movements in classical ballet. The positions, first used in 1588, were codified around 1680 and documented in 1725. The five positions require each leg to turn sideways from the hip, so the toes extend to each side, and the feet create straight or parallel lines. The dancer's weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, either flat, on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), or on the toes (pointe). The arms and hands (port de bras) complete the figure's balance.

How many basic ballet positions are there?

There are five fundamental ballet positions for the feet, which are the foundation for all classical ballet movements. These positions, first used in 1588, were later codified around 1680 and documented in 1725. In each of the five positions, the legs are rotated outward from the hip, so the toes extend to each side, making a straight or parallel line with the feet on the floor. The dancer's weight is evenly distributed on both feet, either flat on the floor, on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), or on the toes (pointe). Each of the five ballet positions has a corresponding port de bras , or position of the arms and hands.

What do the positions of the feet look like in ballet?

In classical ballet , the five fundamental positions form the basis for all movements. Each leg is rotated outward from the hip, allowing the toes to extend to each side, creating straight or parallel lines with the feet on the floor. The dancer's weight is evenly distributed between both feet, which can be flat, on demi-pointe (balls of the feet), or en pointe (toes, typically for women only).

How are the arms used in ballet positions?

In ballet, the arms' movements, known as port de bras , should gracefully complement leg movements. The dancer's head and shoulder positioning (\u00e9paulement) contribute to the port de bras' overall elegance. Arms have five fundamental positions individually and combined. Ballet's open aesthetic extends to the arms, which are typically extended in flowing curves. Even during fast steps, arm movements remain fluid and graceful, framing the face or harmonizing with the legs.

Why are ballet positions important for dancers?

Ballet positions are the foundation for all classical ballet movements. These positions, first used in 1588, were codified around 1680 and set down in writing in 1725. The style and movement vocabulary of classical ballet is rooted in the five turned-out positions of the feet. Each ballet position has a corresponding port de bras , or position of the arms and hands. Daily classes and proper technique are necessary to mold the body and develop the physical skills needed to maintain the body's condition and prevent injury. Many dance movements make strenuous and unnatural demands on the joints, muscles, and tendons, and it is easy to strain or damage them if the body is not properly maintained.

How do ballet positions help dancers perform complicated moves and routines?

Ballet positions are fundamental to classical ballet, serving as both starting and ending points for intricate movements. The five basic turned-out positions facilitate balance, flexibility, and a wide range of motion. These positions enable dancers to execute complex steps, jumps, and turns with precision and control. The turned-out position, with legs rotated outward from the hips, is a defining feature, providing an open and symmetrical appearance while enabling high leg extensions and fast turns. Additionally, specific body positions like arabesque and attitude build upon these basic positions, allowing for graceful variations and further complexity in choreography.

ballet position

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

As part of the language of ballet, male and female dancers use standardized foot and arm placements (left to right): first, second, third, fourth, and fifth positions.

Quick Facts

Key People:: Marie Camargo

Related Topics:: second position; first position; fourth position; third position; fifth position

See all related content

*Swan Lake* Natalya Bessmertnova executing an arabesque with Nikolay Fadeychev of the Bolshoi Ballet in a performance of *Swan Lake*.

ballet position

dance

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

History

Top Questions

What is a ballet position?
In classical ballet, a ballet position refers to any of the five fundamental positions of the feet. These positions are the foundation for all movements in classical ballet. The positions, first used in 1588, were codified around 1680 and documented in 1725.

The five positions require each leg to turn sideways from the hip, so the toes extend to each side, and the feet create straight or parallel lines. The dancer's weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, either flat, on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), or on the toes (pointe). The arms and hands (port de bras) complete the figure's balance.
2 Britannica Sources
1. dance: Ballet and modern dance
2. ballet position
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How many basic ballet positions are there?
There are five fundamental ballet positions for the feet, which are the foundation for all classical ballet movements. These positions, first used in 1588, were later codified around 1680 and documented in 1725.

In each of the five positions, the legs are rotated outward from the hip, so the toes extend to each side, making a straight or parallel line with the feet on the floor. The dancer's weight is evenly distributed on both feet, either flat on the floor, on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), or on the toes (pointe). Each of the five ballet positions has a corresponding port de bras, or position of the arms and hands.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What do the positions of the feet look like in ballet?
In classical ballet, the five fundamental positions form the basis for all movements. Each leg is rotated outward from the hip, allowing the toes to extend to each side, creating straight or parallel lines with the feet on the floor. The dancer's weight is evenly distributed between both feet, which can be flat, on demi-pointe (balls of the feet), or en pointe (toes, typically for women only).
- First position Heels are together, with toes turned out to create a straight line.
- Second position Feet are parallel, separated by about 12 inches (30 cm), both turned outward, with weight evenly divided. There is also a second position en l’air (in the air), where the weight is on one foot while the other is raised to the side.
- Third position The heel of one foot rests against the instep of the other, both turned out, weight divided. This position is rarely used today.
- Fourth position One foot is about 12 inches in front of the other, both turned out, weight divided. Like the second position, fourth has its equivalent en l’air.
- Fifth position Feet are turned out and pressed closely together, with the heel of one foot against the toe of the other.
1 Britannica Source
1. ballet position
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How are the arms used in ballet positions?
In ballet, the arms' movements, known as port de bras, should gracefully complement leg movements. The dancer's head and shoulder positioning (\u00e9paulement) contribute to the port de bras' overall elegance. Arms have five fundamental positions individually and combined. Ballet's open aesthetic extends to the arms, which are typically extended in flowing curves. Even during fast steps, arm movements remain fluid and graceful, framing the face or harmonizing with the legs.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Why are ballet positions important for dancers?
Ballet positions are the foundation for all classical ballet movements. These positions, first used in 1588, were codified around 1680 and set down in writing in 1725. The style and movement vocabulary of classical ballet is rooted in the five turned-out positions of the feet. Each ballet position has a corresponding port de bras, or position of the arms and hands.

Daily classes and proper technique are necessary to mold the body and develop the physical skills needed to maintain the body's condition and prevent injury. Many dance movements make strenuous and unnatural demands on the joints, muscles, and tendons, and it is easy to strain or damage them if the body is not properly maintained.
2 Britannica Sources
1. dance: Ballet and modern dance
2. ballet position
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How do ballet positions help dancers perform complicated moves and routines?
Ballet positions are fundamental to classical ballet, serving as both starting and ending points for intricate movements. The five basic turned-out positions facilitate balance, flexibility, and a wide range of motion. These positions enable dancers to execute complex steps, jumps, and turns with precision and control. The turned-out position, with legs rotated outward from the hips, is a defining feature, providing an open and symmetrical appearance while enabling high leg extensions and fast turns. Additionally, specific body positions like arabesque and attitude build upon these basic positions, allowing for graceful variations and further complexity in choreography.
2 Britannica Sources
1. dance: Ballet and modern dance
2. ballet position
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

ballet position, any of the five positions of the feet fundamental to all classical ballet. The term may also denote the various poses of the body. First used by Thoinot Arbeau in 1588, codified by Pierre Beauchamp circa 1680, and set down by Pierre Rameau in Le Maître à danser (1725; The Dancing Master, 1931), the positions are the starting and ending points for the intricate ballet movements.

In all positions each leg is turned sideways from the hip, so that the toes extend out to each side and the feet form straight or parallel lines on the floor. Body weight is evenly distributed over both feet, which can either remain flat on the floor, rest on the balls of the feet (demi-pointe), or rest on the toes (pointe; women only). Corresponding positions of the arms and hands (port de bras) complete the perfect balance of the figure.

In the first position, the heels are together, with toes turned out until the feet are in a straight line. In the second position, the feet are in a parallel line, separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30 cm) and both turned outward, with the weight equally divided between them. In second position en l’air (“in the air”), the weight is supported by one foot while the other is raised at the side. In the third position, the heel of one foot rests against the instep of the other; both are firmly turned out, and the weight is divided between them. Used extensively in 18th-century social dances such as the minuet and gavotte, this position has almost disappeared from theatrical usage. In the fourth position, one foot rests about 12 inches in advance of the other, both are turned out, and the weight is divided between them. Like the second position, fourth has its equivalent en l’air. In the fifth position, the feet are turned out and pressed closely together, the heel of the one foot against the toe of the other.

In addition to the five fundamental positions of the feet, there are two major body positions in classical ballet. The arabesque is a body position in which the weight of the body is supported on one leg, while the other leg is extended in back with the knee straight. One of the most graceful of ballet positions, the arabesque can be varied in many ways by changing the position of the arms, the angle of the body, and the height of the leg in the air. The dancer’s body may be supported on the full foot, the ball of the foot (demi-pointe), or toe (pointe; women only), and the supporting leg may be straight or bent.

The attitude is a position similar to the arabesque except that the knee of the raised leg is bent. The raised leg is held at a 90° angle to the body in back or in front (attitude an avant); the knee may be either well bent or nearly straight (attitude allongée). The supporting leg also may be straight or bent. As in the arabesque the body may be supported on the full foot, the ball of the foot, or the toe. The pose was first described in 1829 by Carlo Blasis, who was inspired by the statue of Mercury by Giambologna.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

ballet position

Thank you for signing up!