Ballet positions names can feel like learning a new language.
But here’s the good news. You don’t need to be a dance expert to understand the basics. The five basic positions for both the arms and feet are the building blocks of every movement in ballet. Whether your child is just starting out or you’re learning alongside them, these ballet feet positions and arm placements are the first step in feeling more confident at the barre.
At Creative Dance Academy, you’ll learn the five basic positions for ballet into simple, easy-to-understand terms. You’ll learn exactly what first position ballet means, how the arms and feet work together, and why these ballet foot positions matter more than you might think.
Let’s start by understanding why these foundational positions are so important in the world of ballet.
Why Ballet Positions Matter (Even for Beginners)
When someone pictures classical ballet, they often imagine graceful turns, high leaps and elegant arms. But what many don’t realise is that behind every stunning move is a set of very specific positions, starting with the feet and arms.
These ballet positions aren’t just about looking pretty. They’re about control, balance and building muscle memory from the ground up. The five basic ballet foot positions and arm positions are taught from day one because they create the structure for everything that follows.
Here’s something many parents don’t realise: learning the correct ballet feet positions early on actually prevents injuries. When a child stands correctly in each position, they start to develop strength, posture and alignment that supports their dancing long-term.
Even more importantly, learning these positions gives young dancers confidence. When they know exactly where their feet and arms belong, they feel more in control in class, and that confidence shows in their performance and posture, both in and out of the studio.
The Five Positions of the Feet in Ballet
If your child is learning classical ballet, one of the first things they’ll be taught is how to stand correctly. These basic ballet foot positions are the starting point for almost every movement in class.
First Position Ballet
In first position, the heels are together and the toes point outward, forming a straight line like a wide “V”. This is one of the most used ballet feet positions and often the first one dancers learn. It helps build balance and teaches dancers how to turn out from the hips, not just the feet.
Helpful tip: Imagine your feet are two slices of pizza with the heels touching and the points (your toes) angled away from each other.
Second Position
Second position is similar to first, but the heels are now shoulder-width apart while the toes still point outward. This position gives a bit more stability and space, often used in pliés and jumps.
Helpful tip: Think of this as a wide stance that still keeps your turnout.
Third Position
Here, you need to put your foot forward. One foot is placed in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the arch of the back foot. It’s less commonly used in professional ballet but still taught to beginners as a stepping stone between second and fifth position.
Helpful tip: It can feel a bit awkward at first, but it’s all about learning coordination and control.
Fourth Position
In fourth position, one foot is placed directly in front of the other, but with some space between them (about a foot’s length). Both feet are turned outward, just like in the earlier positions.
Helpful tip: This position is often used for pirouettes and other turns, so it’s a key one to practise correctly.
Fifth Position
Fifth position is the most precise and demanding of the five. Here, you’ll find your legs crossed. The front foot’s heel touches the back foot’s toe, and both feet are turned out fully. It’s a very closed position and used often in advanced steps and choreography.
Helpful tip: Think of this as the “goal” foot position. Even if your child isn’t quite there yet, learning fifth position ballet early builds the foundation for future progress.
These ballet foot positions may seem small, but they play a big role in every part of dance. Now that the feet are covered, let’s look at how the arms come into play.
The Five Ballet Arm Positions
If the feet are the foundation in ballet, the arms are what give it grace. Ballet arm positions help frame the dancer’s body, guide movement, and express emotion. When placed correctly, the arms create balance and help link steps together fluidly.
Let’s go through the five basic ballet arm positions your child will learn, and how they connect to the foot positions you just discovered.
First Position (Arms)
In first position, the arms form a soft circle in front of the body, as if your child were hugging a beach ball. The fingertips are just a few inches apart and held at belly button height.
Connection to the feet: Often paired with first or fifth foot position, this arm placement helps dancers centre themselves and find balance.
Second Position (Arms)
The arms are extended out to the sides, slightly rounded, with the elbows lifted and the hands just below shoulder height. Palms face slightly forward, and the arms never go completely straight.
Connection to the feet: Commonly used with second position feet. It encourages openness and space, helping dancers feel grounded and expansive.
Third Position (Arms)
In third position, one arm stays in first position (in front of the body), while the other arm lifts to a rounded shape above the head.
Connection to the feet: Often matched with third position feet. This helps dancers practise asymmetry and coordination between upper and lower body.
Fourth Position (Arms)
One arm is rounded above the head (like in third), and the other is extended out to the side (like in second). It’s a more dynamic shape that prepares dancers for turns and directional changes.
Connection to the feet: Frequently paired with fourth position feet. It adds movement and drama to transitions.
Fifth Position (Arms)
Both arms are lifted overhead in a soft oval shape. Elbows stay slightly bent, and the shoulders remain relaxed and down. This is one of the most elegant positions in ballet.
Connection to the feet: Typically used with fifth position feet. It’s a classic combination seen in performances and advanced choreography.
By combining the ballet arm positions with the correct ballet feet positions, young dancers begin to develop the posture, coordination and poise ballet is known for.
Encouragement for the Journey Ahead
If all these ballet positions feel like a lot to remember, don’t worry. No child is expected to master them overnight. What matters most is that they’re learning the basics in a fun, supportive environment, step by step, position by position.
At Creative Dance Academy, our teachers introduce each ballet foot position and arm placement gradually, making sure students feel confident and comfortable. Whether your child is still figuring out first position or already floating into fifth, every small improvement is a big win.
As a parent, just knowing the names and shapes of these ballet positions means you can better understand what your child is learning and how to cheer them on. Even if you never danced a step yourself, your support means everything.