Tag: 1st position ballet

The Five Positions of the Feet in Ballet

In classical ballet, there are five positions of the feet. Every step, jump and turn in ballet begins and ends in one of these positions. They were codified by ballet master Pierre Beauchamp in 17th-century France and have remained the foundation of classical technique ever since.

Each position is defined by the relationship between the heels and toes and by the degree of turnout — the outward rotation of the legs from the hip socket.

First Position (1st Position)

In first position, the heels are pressed together and the toes point outward to form a straight line. The rotation comes from the hip socket. A fully trained professional dancer may achieve close to 180 degrees, but beginners achieve what their natural hip flexibility allows without forcing.

First position is the most fundamental starting point in ballet. Port de bras exercises, plié combinations and many centre exercises begin in first position.

Second Position (2nd Position)

In second position, the feet are in the same outward rotation as first position but separated by approximately one foot’s width — roughly 30 to 45 centimetres apart. Weight is distributed evenly between both feet. Second position is used for grand plié combinations, stretching exercises and as a preparation for certain jumps.

Third Position (3rd Position)

In third position, one foot is placed in front of the other with the heel of the front foot touching the arch of the back foot. Third position is often used in early RAD training as a stepping stone before fifth position is introduced, as it requires less flexibility and turnout to perform correctly.

Fourth Position (4th Position)

In fourth position, one foot is placed approximately one foot’s length in front of the other with both feet turned out. There are two variations:

• Open fourth: A wider stance used in pirouette preparations and deep lunges.
• Crossed fourth: A narrower placement based on fifth position, used specifically for turns.

Fourth position is the primary preparation position for pirouettes.

Fifth Position (5th Position)

In fifth position, the feet are fully crossed so the heel of the front foot meets the toe of the back foot, and vice versa. Fifth position requires the most turnout and is typically introduced after first, second and third positions are established. It forms the basis for many jumps and pirouettes at higher levels of training.

How Turnout Works in the Five Positions

Correct ballet turnout comes from the hip socket, not from forcing the feet outward at the ankle or knee. Forcing excessive turnout damages the knees and ankles over time. All five positions should be performed with the turnout the dancer can naturally achieve from their hip rotation. RAD training gradually increases the degree of turnout as the student’s strength and natural flexibility develops over years of training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest ballet foot position for beginners?

First position is typically the first position taught because the heels-together alignment is easy to understand and provides a stable base. Second position is also introduced early as it requires less turnout to perform correctly than third or fifth.

Why is there no sixth position in classical ballet?

Classical ballet codified by the French school uses five positions. Some contemporary and modern dance forms use a “sixth position” — parallel feet at hip-width apart — but this is not part of classical ballet vocabulary.

At what age are ballet students taught fifth position?

In RAD training, fifth position is typically introduced around Grade 1 or Grade 2, after students have a solid foundation in first, second and third positions. The exact timing depends on the individual student’s development and their teacher’s assessment.

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