Cinq positions des pieds, Positions of the feet

The Basic Positions of the Feet
(cinq positions des pieds)

Positions de pieds à terre
Pronunciation: paw-zee-SYAWN day pyay a tehr
When the entire base of both feet touch the ground.

In ballet, all ballet syllabi use Beauchamp’s original five positions of the feet. These are the numbered positions based on the relationship between the feet and the hips. But like most things, ballet has also evolved based on science and aesthetic, so the positions that were prescribed by Pierre Beauchamp, that maître de ballet of the Académie Royal de Musique et de Danse from 1671 to 1687, and credited to him by Pierre Rameau in 1725. Originally, when ballet was codified, there were a total of ten positions, but Beachamp cut it down to five. Serge Lifar, in the 1930’s brought back the sixth and seventh positions.

Positions of the arms and feet in Ballet.

First Position
The heels are together and under the hips to create one line. (Arms: Italian First)

Second Position
The heels apart and one foot lengths apart. Heels should be under and still inside the pelvis.

Open Second Position
A more modern, or current, approach to second position where the heels are outside of the pelvis.

Third Position
The heel of one foot is placed inside the arch of the other foot, this position is no longer used at barre or center, but commonly used for reverance, bowing, and character dances.

Fourth Position
One foot in front of the other, separated by one foot or less in distance, the feet making two parallel lines. Today, fourth is fifth position opened. (Arms: Italian fourth position en avant and arms fourth position en haut)

Open Fourth Position
Open fourth can be done from either third or first opening the legs front to back to create the one foot or less distance.

Long Fourth Position
Long fourth position is when the feet are spaced more than one foot apart.

Fifth Position
The feet are one in front of the other, but placed toe to heel, heel to toe. While the Italian school allows for some openness, we prefer a very crossed fifth position so that the heel of the back foot touches the 5th toe, and the heel of the front foot hides the back foot’s first toe.

Sixth Position
The feet are parallel and placed together under the hips, toes facing front. The only position that is not turned out.

Seventh Position
Revived by the Paris Opera’s Sergei Lifar, seventh position is fourth position on sur le pointe or sur le Demi pointe.