Ballet positions explained: A guide to understanding ballet terminology

If you’ve recently started ballet classes and have found yourself confused by the vocabulary and terminology used to describe the moves, know you are not alone. Ballet has its own unique language that can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding a few key ballet terms can make you feel more comfortable and confident as a beginner ballet dancer.

One thing you may have noticed is that ballet terminology is in the French language. This is because the art form was formalised in the royal courts of France in the 17th Century under King Louis XIV. Ballet technique was then standardised and the five foot positions that we still use today were developed.

The five basic ballet positions

If you're new to ballet, the five basic positions of the feet and arms are the perfect place to start. They form the foundation of classical ballet technique and are used in almost every step, turn and jump you'll learn. Learning and mastering these positions is one of the best places to begin your ballet journey.

First position: heels are placed together with toes turned out to the side. Arms are in a gentle oval in front of the body, with a soft bend in the elbows.​

Second position: feet are turned out to the side with a space between the feet. Arms are raised and out to the sides at shoulder height, with a slight downward slope and a slight bend in the elbows.

Third position: feet pointed outwards with the front leg crossed over, with the heel of the front foot placed at the back foot's instep. One arm is placed in first position, and the other is placed in second position.

Fourth position: feet are in the same position as third, but there is a gap between the feet. One arm is in first position and the second arm is placed in fifth position directly above the head, with a slight bend in the elbow.

Fifth position: feet are tightly crossed and turned outwards, with the heel of the front foot placed beside the toes of the back foot. Both arms are raised directly above the head, with a slight bend in the elbows.

Common ballet terms you'll hear in almost every class

Once you’ve mastered the five basic positions, one of the easiest ways to expand your ballet vocabulary is by understanding some of the terminology you will hear in almost every ballet class.​

While every ballet class is different, most follow a similar structure. They usually begin with gentle exercises at the barre, where dancers work through a series of exercises aimed at warming up the body and practising the foundations of technique.

Some of the first movements you will learn include:

• Plié- bending the knees whilst maintaining turnout
• Tendu- stretching one foot along the floor with a straight leg
• Relevé- rising onto the balls of your feet

Once you've warmed up at the barre, you'll move into the centre of the dance studio to perform a series of exercises that put everything you've learnt into practice. Without the support of the barre, you'll focus on developing your balance and control as you work through combinations of steps.

Some of these exercises include:

• Port de bras- meaning ‘carriage of the arms’ and refers to the graceful and fluid movement of the arms. It helps develop lines and improve coordination.
• Adagio- a series of slow, controlled movements that focus on improving a dancer's balance, strength and control.
• Pirouettes- one of ballet's most iconic movements, these are turns on one leg that require great control.
• Allegro- meaning ‘lively’ or ‘quick’, these are a series of jumping or travelling steps.

Learning ballet terminology is one of the first steps to becoming a more confident dancer. From mastering the basic five positions to recognising terms like ‘plié’ and ‘pirouette’, understanding ballet vocabulary allows you to follow instructions and understand the complexity of ballet.

Whether you're a beginner ballet dancer or simply supporting a young dancer on their journey,  building your ballet vocabulary takes time and patience, but every lesson you attend brings you closer to that understanding.

The Move Dance Team