ballet position

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

A look at the world of ballet

As part of the language of ballet, male and female dancers use standardized foot and arm placements (left to right): first, second, third, fourth, and fifth positions.

Read Next

Odissi Indian classical female dancer on white background. (Indian dancer; classical dancer; Indian dance)

6 Classical Dances of India

Discover

Black widow spider

9 of the World’s Deadliest Spiders

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses marchers during his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. August 28th 1963

Was Martin Luther King, Jr., a Republican or a Democrat?

King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

Secret Service Agent Listens To Earpiece

Secret Service Code Names of 11 U.S. Presidents

World Data Locator Map: Australia

Is Australia an Island?

Union Jack flag of Great Britain, united kingdom

What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why We Celebrate MLK Day

ballet position: Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos and Videos

As part of the language of ballet, male and female dancers use standardized foot and arm placements (left to right): first, second, third, fourth, and fifth positions.

A look at the world of ballet

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

third position first position second position fifth position fourth position ballet port de bras ballet costume International Ballet Competitions classical ballet ballet movement battement brisé assemblé glissade ballet d’action

Key People

La Camargo Dancing

Marie Camargo

French ballerina