Swan Lake Ballet Studio, LLC
First position – Form a “V” with your feet, placing the heels together and the toes apart. Turn each foot out as far as you can; try to make your feet into a straight line if possible. Then lower your arms until your fingers almost touch your thighs, with your elbows slightly bend so your arms are curved.
Second position – Spread your feet slightly to the left and right, adding space between the heels. A great trick for making sure your feet aren’t too far apart is to make sure the space between your heels is only as long as one of your feet. Hold your arms à la seconde by raising them at your sides until they almost form a “T,” again, making sure the arms are slightly curved.
Fourth position – Take one step forward with your right foot creating space between your feet in front instead of to the side like you do in second position. You can use the same spacing trick that we used in second position to make sure your feet aren’t too far apart. Lift your right arm above your head, keeping the bend in your elbow.
Fifth position – Turn out both of your feet in opposite directions. Place your right foot in front of your left foot and close any space between your feet. Your right heel should be touching your left toes, and try to close the gap if possible so your left heel is touching your right toes as well. Lift your arms en haut; both arms above your head keeping your elbows slightly bent and several inches between your hands.
Quatrieme Devant - Stand in fourth position and extend your right foot forward. Keep your toes pointed and both legs straight. Make sure your feet are turned out. When performing this position at the barre, you may lightly hold for support and balance. When not at the barre, the arms should be outstretched at the sides in second position.
Quatrieme Derriere - Stand in fourth position and extend your right foot backwards. Keep your toes pointed and both legs straight. Make sure your feet are turned out. When performing this position at the barre, you may lightly hold for support and balance. When not at the barre, the arms should be outstretched at the sides in second position.
Arabesque - A body position in which a dancer stands on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg (the working leg) extended behind the body, with both legs held straight. Keep both legs and feet turned out. Extend the arm of the supporting leg in front of you. Use the barre for support and balance.