Every ballet step starts and ends in one of five positions of the feet. They were codified in the 17th century by Pierre Beauchamp at the French court and are still the foundation of ballet today.
The five foot positions
| Position | How it looks |
|---|---|
| First | Heels together, toes turned out to the sides |
| Second | Feet turned out, about a foot-length apart |
| Third | Heel of the front foot against the middle (arch) of the back foot |
| Fourth | One foot in front of the other, about a foot apart, both turned out |
| Fifth | Feet crossed tightly; front heel to back big toe |
Arm positions
- Bras bas (preparatory): arms low and rounded in front of the thighs.
- First: arms rounded in front of the body at about stomach height.
- Second: arms open to the sides, slightly rounded and a little in front.
- Fifth (en haut): arms rounded above the head.
Arm position names and numbering differ between methods such as RAD, Cecchetti and Vaganova.
Turnout tips
- Rotate from the hips, not the knees or feet.
- Keep your weight over the balls of the feet, not rolling in.
- Only turn out as far as you can control.
Frequently asked questions
Which ballet position is the hardest?
Fifth position, because it needs the most turnout and control.
Is third position still used?
It’s taught to young beginners but used less often in advanced training.
Why do dancers turn out their feet?
Turnout allows greater range and clean lines toward the audience.
