Five Ballet Feet Positions

There are five ballet feet positions. With the help of Romany Pajdak, First Artist of the Royal Opera House, who will demonstrate through this video five positions of the feet, you can see each position, starting at 1st.

Observe how the dancer transitions to 2nd, 3rd, 4th (open and closed), 5th and finally, back to 1st.

You’ll notice two fourth positions: the open and the closed. But they are considered as one position.

Five Ballet Feet Positions

The positions of the feet in ballet is a fundamental part of classical ballet technique that defines proper placement of feet on the floor. There are five basic positions of the feet in modern-day classical ballet, known as the first through fifth positions. These five positions were codified by the dancing master Pierre Beauchamp in the late 17th century.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Five Ballet Feet Positions

Short and sweet, plus with the transitions from one position to another. Watch careful and enjoy!

Feet positions: In all schools of ballet, there are five basic foot positions: first, second, third, fourth, fifth. All ballet movements begin or end in one of these five positions. Ballet dancers must have good natural turnout of the leg from their hip to enable them to stand in first position with the feet turned out to the sides.

Thanks to the ROH Channel on YouTube.

Watching the five ballet feet positions explained through video makes it easier for young students to learn them. For teachers, this video is a great tool.

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For more ballet glossary terms visit the Royal Opera House site.