Ballet is an artistic style of dance known for improving posture, flexibility, and balance. While many ballerinas begin training early in life, both children and adults can reap the mental and physical benefits that come with learning this graceful dance form. Before enrolling in ballet classes, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the most basic positions. 

Ballet Positions Explained For Beginners 

1st Position

As its name suggests, this will be the first position you learn in ballet class. Stand with your heels together. Your knees and feet should be turned out and facing away from each other, with the toes pointed straight to each side. 

2nd Position

From the first position, slide one foot apart from the other, pointing it downward as it moves. The other foot should remain firm and pointed away from the moving foot. Repeat this move, interchanging feet so you can become familiar with the smooth shift from 1st to 2nd position.

3rd Position

To move from the 2nd position to the 3rd, slide the foot that is pointed downward and away from your body back toward your firm foot. The heel of the foot you moved back should rest against the arch area of the foot that remained firm. 

4th Position

This position is similar to the 3rd position with a slight variation. Slide the front foot forward and away from you at about a foot’s distance. Point it out toward an imaginary audience. 

5th Position

Slide the front foot back toward you, but with this position, the heel of the front foot should be touching closer to the front toe of the back foot. This position is the hardest of all the basic positions and might take some time to master. However, with time and practice, you’ll be able to smoothly and effortlessly switch from one position to the other.

If you’re searching for a dance school that offers ballet lessons for children and adults, contact New York Dance Center in Orange County, NY. This state-of-the-art dance studio offers a variety of classes for dancers of all ages and levels of experience. From ballet and jazz to hip hop and musical theater, their professional instructors have the expertise and experience to help you reach your goals. Give them a call at (845) 615-1433 to speak with a representative about enrollment. You can also visit them online to learn more about their faculty.