Ballet Positions 1
Toes turned out to the side with dancer's heels touching. The whole leg must turn-out at the hip (not just the feet).
First Position
Bending of the knees
Plie
Feet turned out, fully cross and touching each other.
Fifth Position
To beat; a big kick
Battement
Degage en croix
demonstrate
Arms opened wide, but kept in front of the dancer's shoulders. Arms held slightly curved without dropping elbows.
Second Position
"To Pointe" or "To Stretch"
Tendu
Standing with feet apart, toes turning out. Toes on the same line as First Position. The space between the feet is approximately the length of one of the dancer's feet. The whole weight of both feet must be on the floor.
Second Position
To develop, to unfold
Developpe
Rond de Jambe
demonstrate
One foot is placed exactly in front of the other. The space between feet is approximately the length of one of the dancer's feet.
Fourth Position
Movement of the arms
Port de bras
Pas de Chat
Step of the cat
At or to the back side.
Derriere
En Croix
Shape of a cross
One arm is curved in front of the body with the other held out to the side.
Third Position
Foot is placed near or on the other knee; means to pass through
Passe
Arms held in an oval shape. Fingers grouped elegantly and naturally. Hand curved. Middle fingers curved in slightly more than the others. Thumbs relaxed, not sticking up. Hands are held even with the height of the dancer's belly button.
First Position
Devant
Passe Releve
Demonstrate
Both arms are held above the head make an oval shape that frames the dancer's face. The fingers should be slightly in front of the head.
"to rise"
Releve
What does coupe mean?
to cut
"To melt or sink"
Fondue
Arabesque
Demonstrate