Understanding the Basic Ballet Arm and Foot Positions

A ballerina isn't only judged by the way they move. The way a dancer stands and poses carries equal weight. Every pose begins with the preparatory position.

1. 1. Turn out the feet. Both feet are turned out in first position.
2. 2. Keep both arms low. The arms should be at your side and extended forward slightly. Wrists are slightly bent and fingers are pointed and almost touching.
3. 3. Keep your back and upper body straight. Your head and shoulders are relaxed, with your head slightly lifted.

Once you establish the preparatory position, variate your feet. Below are the basic ballet positions of the feet.

1. 1. First position. The heels are kept together, and the feet are turned outward in a straight line.
2. 2. Second position. The feet are separated by a distance of one foot, and they are turned outward in a straight line.
3. 3. Third position. The feet are turned outward, and the heels are placed together, one in front of the other.
4. 4. Fourth position. The feet are separated by a distance of one foot, and they are turned outward with one foot in front of the other, parallel to each other, so that if you drew a line from the heel of one foot to the toe of the other, they would form the sides of a square.
5. 5. Fifth position. The feet are turned outward, one foot is placed directly in front of the other, and the first joint of the big toe extends past each heel.

Like footwork, the basic arm positions (port de bras) are also numerically classified.

1. 1. First position. The arms are forward and raised in front of the body at 80 degrees. Elbows are rounded and fingers are pointed.
2. 2. Second position. The arms are extended to the sides of the body horizontally. The arms are straight, but there is a downward bend to the shoulders and wrists.
3. 3. Third position. The arms diverge in third position. One arm is kept at first position in front of the body, and the other to the side in second position.
4. 4. Fourth position. One is kept in second position, while the other is raised about the head. There should be a slight bend to the elbows and wrists.
5. 5. Fifth position. Both arms are raised above the head and slightly forward. Keep the elbows and wrists slightly bent.

If you're new to ballet or it’s been a while since you've performed, these tips below are best practice for ballet dancing.

1. 1. Always warm-up. It's essential to stretch your body before diving into any advanced poses. Do some basic poses at the barre to start, like pliés or tendus, to get your blood flowing.
2. 2. Invest in good footwear. 'Good' footwear doesn't necessarily mean expensive. It means finding a ballet shoe that fits your foot best. You'll want something with grips at the balls of the feet. Full sole or split-sole ballet shoes are both commonly used. Do not use socks or bare feet.
3. 3. Stay hydrated. Dancing is a sport and you're likely to sweat a lot, even if you're just doing barre poses. Hydrate well before you start, and keep a water bottle by your side.
4. 4. Listen to your body. It takes time and practice before executing proper ballet technique and choreography. Don't push your body to do any pose it's uncomfortable with.

Practice ballet with Misty Copeland, the principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to put individual barre techniques together to create powerful performances and introduce artistry to your choreography.