The five positions of the feet are the foundation of classical ballet. Every step, jump, turn, and pose either begins or ends in one of these five positions. Introduced in the 17th century by dancing master Pierre Beauchamp, they have remained unchanged across all major syllabi — RAD, ISTD, Vaganova, and Cecchetti — for over 300 years.
The Key Principle: Turnout Comes from the Hip
Before learning any position, every student must understand turnout. In ballet, the legs rotate outward from the hip sockets — not from the knees or ankles. Forcing your feet into a wider “V” than your hips allow causes knee strain and ankle rolling. True turnout must be developed gradually through consistent training. The International Association for Dance Medicine & Science recommends never forcing a student’s turnout beyond their natural hip rotation.
First Position Ballet
First position is the most fundamental — and in many ways the most difficult to do correctly. Both heels are together, toes turned out to the sides to form a straight line or a “V” shape. The legs are straight, inner thighs gently engaged to support the turnout, and weight is evenly distributed over all five toes of each foot.
Common mistakes in first position:
- Rolling inward on the arch (pronation)
- Pushing the knees back beyond straight (hyperextension without control)
- Gripping the floor with the toes instead of spreading them
- Tilting the pelvis forward or tucking it under
First position is used for relevés, pirouette preparations in some methods, and as the basis for all rond de jambe exercises.
Second Position Ballet
In second position, the feet are placed apart — roughly one-and-a-half times the length of your own foot — with both feet turned out at the same angle as first position. The weight remains centred between both feet, not shifted onto one side. Second position is used for grand pliés (which require particular care for the knees), wide tendu exercises, and preparations for turns.
Second position plié note: In grand plié in second position, unlike other positions, the heels do not lift from the floor. This is the one exception to the rule that heels lift in grand plié.
Third Position Ballet
Third position is considered a transitional or preparatory position. The heel of the front foot rests against the middle of the back foot, with both turned out. Third position is used in the RAD Primary and Grades 1–3 syllabi before students are ready for the full closure of fifth position. It teaches the concept of crossing the feet without the extreme hip rotation required for fifth.
Fourth Position Ballet
Fourth position places the feet apart front-to-back (roughly one foot-length of space between them), both turned out. There are two forms: open fourth (feet in line with first) and crossed fourth (feet in line with fifth position). Fourth position is the preparation for many pirouettes and grand allegro combinations. The crossed fourth is particularly important for en dehors pirouettes.
Fifth Position Ballet
Fifth position is the most advanced and most closed position. The front heel is placed against the back big toe joint, and the back heel against the front toe joint, so the feet are completely crossed. Full fifth position requires significant hip rotation and is typically introduced in Grades 4–5 in the RAD syllabus. It is the end position for most jumps and the basis for virtually all classical enchainements.
Why fifth position matters: All the major jumps in ballet — assemblé, sissonne, entrechat, cabriole — land in or launch from fifth position. A well-placed, correctly aligned fifth is the mark of a trained classical dancer.
Arm Positions (Port de Bras)
Alongside the five foot positions, ballet has a corresponding set of arm positions. These vary slightly between methods:
- RAD uses Bras Bas (arms down), First (arms forward and rounded), Second (arms open to the sides), and Third/Fourth/Fifth as the arms rise.
- Vaganova uses Preparatory, First, Second, and Third positions, which correspond to slightly different arm heights.
- Cecchetti has its own numbering system also differing from RAD.
For a full breakdown of arm positions and how they differ by syllabus, explore our complete ballet glossary.
Positions in the RAD Syllabus
The RAD introduces positions progressively:
- Primary – First and second position feet; Bras Bas and First arm position.
- Grade 1 – Third position introduced.
- Grade 2–3 – Fourth position introduced.
- Grade 4–5 – Fifth position introduced; all five positions expected in correct alignment.
- Intermediate–Advanced – All positions in pointe shoes with full alignment demands.
What to Wear When Practising Positions
Practising positions at home is most effective in proper ballet shoes so the foot can work freely. Canvas or leather split-sole shoes allow the teacher to see foot alignment clearly. Our ballet shoes guide covers the best options by age and level. For class, a well-fitted leotard with tights is the standard uniform across all RAD-registered schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 positions in ballet?
The five positions of the feet in ballet are: First (heels together, toes out), Second (feet apart, toes out), Third (one foot’s heel to the middle of the other), Fourth (feet apart front-to-back, toes out), and Fifth (feet fully crossed, front heel to back toe). All five require outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints.
What is first position in ballet?
First position is the starting point of classical ballet training. The dancer stands with heels together and toes turned outward, forming a straight line or shallow V with the feet. The legs are straight but not locked, the inner thighs engage to maintain turnout, and the weight spreads evenly across all five toes of each foot. Most barre exercises begin in first position.
What is third position in ballet?
Third position is a preparatory position where the heel of the front foot rests against the middle of the back foot, with both feet turned out. It is most commonly used with younger students in the RAD Grades 1–3 who are not yet ready for the hip rotation required by fifth position. Third position teaches the concept of closing and crossing the feet without overstressing the joints.
Why does ballet use five positions?
The five positions were codified in the 17th century by Pierre Beauchamp, the first director of the Académie Royale de Danse in Paris. They represent every possible relationship between the feet in a turned-out stance — open, closed, front-back, and crossed. Every step, jump, and turn in classical ballet connects these positions, so mastering them provides the structural vocabulary for all classical technique.
At what age do ballet students learn fifth position?
In most RAD-affiliated schools, fifth position is formally introduced in Grades 4–5, typically around ages 9–11. Before this, third and fourth positions are used. The delay is intentional: fifth position requires significant hip rotation and ligament flexibility that younger or less experienced students should not be rushed into. Forcing fifth position too early is a common cause of knee and hip problems.