Positions of the Feet

The positions of the feet are the five basic ways the turned out feet relate to each other, numbered first through fifth. They are the foundation of classical ballet, because nearly every step begins and ends in one of them. Learning them well gives you a home base for everything else you do.

The five positions

• First position: heels together, toes turned out to the sides, so the feet form close to one straight line.
• Second position: feet turned out and apart, about shoulder width, heels in line with each other.
• Third position: one foot in front of the other, the front heel touching the middle of the back foot. Third is used more in some methods than others.
• Fourth position: one foot in front of the other with a gap between them, the feet parallel, either crossed or open depending on the exercise.
• Fifth position: feet crossed tightly, the front heel by the back toe and the back heel by the front toe, so from the front they look like one foot and a bit.

Why turnout matters

Every position uses turnout, the rotation of the legs outward from the hip. Good turnout should come from the hips, not from forcing the feet, so the knees always line up over the toes.

Tips for beginners

Check your positions in a mirror and feel the weight even across both feet. Do not force the turnout past where your hips allow, since that strains the knees and ankles. Strong, honest positions now make every step cleaner later.