The Ultimate Ballet Positions Cheatsheet

Introduction: What Are Ballet Positions and Why They Matter

Ballet positions form the foundation of classical ballet technique, providing the framework for all movement in this centuries-old art form. Developed in the courts of Renaissance Italy and France and codified by the French Academy of Dance in the 17th century, these positions create the distinctive lines, balance, and aesthetic that define ballet. Mastering these precise positions is essential for dancers at all levels, as they serve as both starting and ending points for steps and sequences, ensure proper alignment to prevent injury, and create the visual harmony that makes ballet so captivating. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first ballet class or an advanced dancer refining your technique, understanding and executing these positions correctly is fundamental to your development as a dancer.

Core Concepts and Principles

The Five Basic Foot Positions

The Six Port de Bras (Arm Positions)

Note: Variations exist between different schools of ballet (Vaganova, Cecchetti, Royal Academy of Dance, etc.) regarding arm positions.

Basic Body Positions

Fundamental Principles of Ballet Positions

1. Turnout – External rotation from hip sockets, not forced from knees or ankles
2. Alignment – Proper stacking of ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles
3. Opposition – Balance of energy in opposing directions creates dynamic lines
4. Extension – Energy flowing outward through limbs even in static positions
5. Weight distribution – Proper centering prevents injury and enables balance
6. Body placement – Relationship of torso, head, and limbs to create desired aesthetic

Step-by-Step Learning Process

Mastering the Five Basic Positions

1. First Position Technique Breakdown

   • Stand with heels together
   • Turn out legs from hip sockets to form straight line with feet
   • Distribute weight evenly across both feet
   • Engage inner thighs and core
   • Maintain natural curve in lower back
   • Keep shoulders relaxed and down

2. Second Position Development

   • From first position, maintain turnout
   • Step feet apart approximately hip-width
   • Keep weight centered between both feet
   • Maintain engaged legs and proper alignment
   • Avoid sinking into hips

3. Third Position Precision

   • Position one foot in front of other
   • Place heel of front foot against middle of back foot
   • Maintain turnout in both legs
   • Keep hips square and weight centered
   • Align knees over toes

4. Fourth Position Alignment

   • Position one foot in front of other with space between
   • Align front heel with arch of back foot
   • Maintain equal turnout in both feet
   • Keep hips square and aligned
   • Distribute weight appropriately for the step

5. Fifth Position Refinement

   • Fully cross feet (front foot heel to back foot toe)
   • Maintain maximum turnout from hips
   • Keep hips level and square
   • Align knees over toes
   • Engage inner thighs and core

Arm Position Progression

1. Preparatory to First

   • Begin with arms rounded below waist
   • Maintain space between arms
   • Lift through elbows while raising arms
   • Bring arms to mid-torso height for first position
   • Keep shoulders down and energy flowing through fingertips

2. First to Second

   • Open arms from first position
   • Extend to sides at shoulder height
   • Position slightly forward of shoulders
   • Maintain rounded shape and energy through fingertips
   • Keep shoulders down and elbows supported

3. Second to Fifth

   • Lift arms from second position
   • Maintain rounded shape
   • Position overhead slightly forward of ears
   • Keep shoulders down
   • Maintain space between arms
   • Extend energy through fingertips

Key Techniques and Variations by Ballet Method

Vaganova Method (Russian)

• Foot Positions: Emphasizes strong turnout and fully crossed fifth position
• Arm Positions: Uses three primary arm positions with variations for each
• Épaulement: Significant focus on coordination of head, shoulders, and eye line
• Port de Bras: Flowing movements between positions with expressive quality
• Distinctive Features: Strong core engagement; dramatic épaulement; flowing port de bras

Cecchetti Method (Italian)

• Foot Positions: Five basic positions with precise placement
• Arm Positions: Five positions plus additional “arabesques” positions
• Épaulement: Eight specific directions of the body in space
• Port de Bras: Set exercises for arm movements
• Distinctive Features: Mathematical precision; codified exercises; systematic approach

Royal Academy of Dance (English)

• Foot Positions: Five basic positions with moderate approach to turnout
• Arm Positions: Basic positions with variations for grade levels
• Épaulement: Gradual introduction through syllabus levels
• Port de Bras: Set exercises that become more complex with advancing grades
• Distinctive Features: Methodical progression; clean technique; syllabus-based approach

Balanchine Technique (American)

• Foot Positions: More emphasis on second position; more open fourth position
• Arm Positions: More relaxed and expansive; often lower second position
• Speed and Energy: Fast footwork and dynamic energy through positions
• Distinctive Features: Hip forward in arabesque; faster transitions; athletic quality

Common Challenges and Solutions

Best Practices and Practical Tips

For Beginners

• Start with a focus on proper alignment rather than maximum turnout
• Use the barre for support when learning positions
• Practice transitions between positions slowly and with control
• Develop core strength alongside position work
• Use mirrors to check alignment but don’t become dependent
• Accept your body’s natural limitations while working to improve
• Remember that position quality is more important than extreme lines

For Intermediate Dancers

• Refine the transitions between positions
• Work on maintaining positions during more complex movements
• Focus on the energy and intention within each position
• Develop consistency in arm positions without constant visual checking
• Practice positions at different tempos and with different dynamics
• Incorporate proper breathing techniques with position changes
• Understand how positions translate into pirouettes and jumps

For Advanced Dancers

• Perfect the subtle épaulement that enhances each position
• Work on instantaneous position accuracy at high speeds
• Develop personal artistic expression within technical framework
• Understand stylistic variations for different ballet repertoire
• Maintain clean positions during complex combinations
• Focus on musicality in the execution of positions
• Apply positions appropriately in different choreographic contexts

For Teachers

• Introduce positions progressively with age-appropriate explanations
• Use imagery effective for different learning styles
• Develop exercises that isolate and then integrate position elements
• Balance technical precision with promoting joy of movement
• Provide individual corrections while maintaining group progress
• Use both anatomical explanations and artistic imagery
• Create building-block approach to position mastery

Ballet Position Progressions and Combinations

Basic Barre Position Sequence

1. First position: demi-plié, relevé, lower
2. Second position: demi-plié, relevé, lower
3. Fourth position: demi-plié, relevé, lower
4. Fifth position: demi-plié, relevé, lower

Center Position Flow

1. Preparatory position
2. First position with demi-plié
3. Rise to first position relevé
4. Open to second position
5. Lower through demi-plié in second
6. Close to fifth position
7. Rise to relevé in fifth position
8. Lower to finish in fifth position

Position Applications in Basic Steps

Visual References and Imagery

Effective Teaching Imagery for Positions

Body Awareness Exercises for Position Development

• Plié with back against wall – Develops proper alignment in first through fifth positions
• Arms with theraband – Strengthens proper arm position pathways
• Relevés on balance board – Enhances stability in positions
• Eyes-closed position practice – Develops kinesthetic awareness
• Slow-motion position transitions – Builds control and placement memory
• Video self-assessment – Compare positions to ideal models
• Partner mirroring – Develop visual accuracy in positions

Resources for Further Learning

Books

• “Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet” by Gail Grant
• “Basic Principles of Classical Ballet” by Agrippina Vaganova
• “The Ballet Companion” by Eliza Gaynor Minden
• “The Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet” by Cyril Beaumont

Online Resources

• American Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Dictionary (www.abt.org/explore/learn/ballet-dictionary/)
• Royal Academy of Dance Online Resources (www.royalacademyofdance.org)
• Vaganova Ballet Academy videos
• Ballet glossaries with pronunciation guides

Training Tools

• Ballet barres for home practice
• Non-slip dance mats
• Alignment tools and balance aids
• Mirrors for self-assessment
• Recorded classes by master teachers

Additional Learning Opportunities

• Summer intensives focusing on technique
• Master classes with visiting teachers
• Cross-training in Pilates for core strength
• Anatomy workshops for dancers
• Ballet history courses to understand position evolution

Conclusion

Ballet positions are more than just static arrangements of the body—they are the vocabulary through which ballet communicates. Mastering these positions requires patience, proper technique, and understanding of the underlying principles. By approaching position work methodically and with awareness of proper alignment, dancers can build a solid foundation that supports all aspects of ballet technique. Remember that positions should eventually become so integrated into your muscle memory that they free you to express the music and emotion of dance, rather than limiting you to technical concerns. The journey to perfecting ballet positions is ongoing for dancers at all levels, making it both a challenge and a continuous source of growth in this beautiful art form.