Attitude

In an attitude, the dancer balances on one leg while the other leg is lifted and held with a bend at the knee. The lifted leg can be carried in front (attitude devant) or behind (attitude derrière), and the working knee stays open and turned out so the shape reads as a soft, curved line rather than a straight one. The bend is usually around a 145 degree angle, which gives the pose its recognizable arched quality.

Shaping the Position

The attitude is as much about the whole body as it is about the raised leg. The supporting leg is strong and pulled up, whether the dancer is flat, on demi-pointe, or on full pointe. The knee of the working leg lifts to match or sit slightly higher than the foot, so the shin slopes gently. Turnout keeps the inner thigh rotating open, which is what separates a clean attitude from a leg that simply looks folded. The arms usually frame the shape, with one arm curved overhead to echo the line of the bent leg.

Where You See It

Attitude appears constantly in classical repertoire, both as a balance and as a passing shape inside turns and adagio combinations. An attitude derrière is a favorite for promenades, where the dancer turns slowly on one leg while holding the pose. Dancers also move through attitude on the way into and out of arabesque, since the two positions are closely related. The difference is simple: arabesque has a straight working leg, while attitude keeps that leg bent.

Because it trains balance, turnout, and control all at once, attitude is one of the first big poses young dancers learn to hold with confidence.