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third position
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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.
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third position

ballet
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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.
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.

In ballet, the third position is one of the five fundamental foot positions. In this stance, the heel of one foot rests against the instep of the other, with both feet turned outward. The dancer's weight is evenly distributed between both feet.1

While historically used in social dances, the third position is now rarely seen in theatrical ballet. It is part of the codified system of ballet positions, which were established around the late 17th century and refined over time. These positions, along with specific arm and body movements, form the basis of classical ballet technique, ensuring dancers achieve proper posture and balance.12

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  1. ballet position
  2. ballet movement

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