Ballet peeking through the keyhole

	In depth review of the basic positions of classical ballet With what does movement begin and when does it end? Is there a structure or foundation upon which to build our skills that we should study precisely? Classical ballet is a unique system of dance, based upon a set of specific positions. These basic positions are the skeleton of classical dance. They are points of navigation for our body and the precise structure through which we connect the movements to create our dance. Every single movement passes through these basic positions. They are the network of coordination and the base upon which we construct our knowledge.
	Your education in classical ballet should always start with the positions of the arms and legs, and the correct way to perform them. Precision in your work is very important. Later in more advanced ballet classes you will build more complex movements upon these basics. Through these basic positions you will also learn the right way to use your muscles in movement and in connecting your torso with your legs, arms and head.
	The basic positions should be performed very clearly and precisely. In the beginning you might find it very hard to accomplish some of them, but be patient and try to progress little by little with every ballet class. Do not force your body but try to enjoy and be strict with you training at the same time.
	The basic positions are more than a dance pose. They are a specific way of using your bones and muscles. You have to learn that correctly performing these movements or dance positions will give you a feeling of perfection and fill you with energy. Pay attention to your teacher’s instructions and search for the inner coordination within your body.
	What is important to know when performing the classic positions? A good posture is of paramount importance for the basics! “Imagine the vertical center of your body, starting from the feet and passing up to the top of the head. Imagine a silk thread passing through your vertical center and continuing up, up, up… far above the head.” Try to keep this feeling at all times while dancing. Connect the body parts in your mind and remember this connection during movement. The center of your body is strongly linked with your legs, arms and head. It’s the center that gives energy to the movement and increases the body’s power when opening a leg or an arm, and during a turn or jump. When you adopt the basic positions try to identify and understand their connection with your center. Imagine that movement begins from the center of the body and continues to the head, legs and arms.
	One of the important skills, you have to search for and develop is the 'turn out' of the legs. The ‘turn out’ is an expertise that must be developed, but also understood. The legs should always be turned out from the hips so that the inner thigh faces forwards and the back of the thighs are turned inwards. Be careful not to force your feet outwards so much, that you twist the ankle. Maintain the ‘turn out’ while you perform the basic positions and cultivate it through your everyday practice.
	With the arm positions you will start to build the grace and posture in your movement. Feel the movement of your arms as more than just articulating bones and muscles. Your arms are always connected with your back. They transfer the power from your back into the bigger movements like pirouettes, jumps and the grand positions. When you move your arms, be aware of their connection with your back. Keep your shoulders down and your head up while moving your arms. Imagine your backbone connected to them. Feel the energy and move gracefully at the same time.
	Coordination of the arms and legs is another important thing to observe and be aware of. Every dance step in classical ballet corresponds to a specific movement of the arms. When you are learning the classical basic positions pay particular attention to the connection of the arms, legs and head, as described by your teacher.
	It’s important to know that there are many 'methods' of teaching ballet /Cecchetti Method, French Method, Russian School/. Each of these methods has a different style and way of describing the positions and movements even when interpreting the same vocabulary. There are also many more new styles and approaches of teachers and research workers. The best you can do to define your method is to listen to your teacher and trust to his competence.
	The classical positions are fundamental for further development in movement. Pay attention to every detail while you study them. In your everyday practice is essential to move your body parts during the same breath. Observe carefully how the movement begins and how it ends. Try to perceive your body as a whole but understand the connection between its parts.
	Watch the shape of the positions, but give particular care to their exact execution. Very often the true realization of a dance pas is in the movement which is happening deep within the body, with the manipulation of the inner muscles and bones. Classical ballet is a unique system of body coordination. When you perform your exercises with clarity and precision, you will have the feeling that you have found the right path for your movements. Sometimes during your education you may have the feeling that you are torturing yourself, but be patient and work on your development with discipline and continuity.
	Positions of the feet
	There are five basic leg positions. While you practice them, always keep the legs turned out, with the knees and toes facing outwards. The knees should also stay straight without twisting. Keep the weight of your body equally distributed on your feet. Do not bend the feet forward or backwards. Try to feel the muscles along the inner sides of your legs. It is most important to be aware of and build these muscles. They give you the strength to perform complete Pas, such as Developes, Grand Jetés and more…
	First position The feet are placed with the heels together and the toes pointing out as if they are smiling. Place your feet in your best turnout. Do not force them. Try to feel the ground below your feet, and the vertical center of your body. The inner sides of your legs should touch each other. Pull the buttocks up, so you can release the legs and hip-joints from the weight of the torso. You will always return to this position, or pass through it, when you perform other complete Pas.
	Second position The feet are in line as in the First position, but there is a space between your heels – shoulder width or foot length apart. Try to keep the weight equally on both feet. Straighten the knees and pull up your vertical center. When you perform basic movements in this position /plie, relevé, etc./ keep the buttocks pulled together.
	Third position Start in the first position. Slide the right / or left/ heel to the middle of the other foot. Legs and toes turned out. Hips centered equally over your feet.
	Fourth position From Fifth position slide your front foot forward. The space between your feet should be about a foot’s length. Keep both feet parallel. The weight is centered between both legs. Try to keep the turn out of the hips equal in both legs.
	This position might be very difficult at first. It is important to perform it with legs turned out from the hips. Avoid twisting the knees and ankles. Before performing the Fourth position, you must first learn the Fifth.
	Fifth position Start in first position. Slide the right /or left/ heel across to the toes of your other foot until both feet are close together and parallel. Heels and toes should be close together. This position is the most difficult for the legs. While you perform it try to keep your body upright and your legs turned out from the hips. Press the inner sides of the thighs and knees together.
	Important! Turn out the legs from your hips, not from your knees or ankles / both legs equally / When positioning the legs keep your weight distributed equally between them Pull the body up, so you can release your legs from the weight of your torso Use the muscles of the inner sides of your legs Distribute your weight equally on your feet
	Traveling through positions The way to change positions is something to study carefully with your teacher. Traveling through them is a preliminary for more advanced classes in the future. Battement tendu is the most important movement you will use when passing from one position to another. Keep the legs tight and do not bend the knees as you slide your foot into the next position. It is important that you slide your foot across the floor but do not relax the foot until you have changed position. When you reach the line for the next position, lift the heel and point your toes to the floor /pointe tendu/. Then carefully lower the foot down to the position line, but keep your legs and torso up, up, up.
	In the beginning that might seem very difficult. But keep working on it! Later, when your education reaches a higher level, you will learn how to pass through the basic positions with clarity and lightness. Remember: Do not hold your breath while passing through the positions. Breathe! Your breathing will release the tension from your body and legs and will help you overcome the trials of your initial lessons.
	Foot work Another thing to observe is your feet, while standing on them and especially while moving them through the positions. Your feet are the roots of the body. Through them you feel connected with the ground and draw energy for your movements. Some little ballerinas tense their toes while standing. They unconsciously press their toes to the ground while trying to keep their balance and perform the positions correctly. You must understand that this habit can damage your feet and your future performance. Feet should be strong and flexible, but not stiff! Stiffness in your feet will make you unsteady and anxious. Try to distribute the weight of your body equally on both feet and equally on the sole of each foot! To make this easier, pull your body up! Keep the feet elastic, while moving. Imagine them to be like a cat’s paw – moving supplely and easily.
	Positions of the arms
	There are four basic positions of the arms, but there are also variations on these positions depending on the different teaching methods. The positions of arms are basic for more complex movements. Later in your ballet class you will learn how to perform beautiful “port de bras”, that includes these positions. Ensure that the position of the arms is combined with the use of your head. The head completes the pose of the arms with slight tilts to the side. The arms should be relaxed while you perform these positions. Do not overstretch your positions! When you are building your arm positions think about a beautiful line that connects your shoulder, elbow and hand.
	Preparatory Position Your arms are lowered in front of the thighs and curved softly. This position is a preparation for building the next basic arm positions. It will help you to find the right way to position your arms in line.
	First position From the Preparatory position bring your arms in front of your bellybutton, in line with your center. Press your shoulders down gently and keep your vertical center straight. Feel the energy between your fingers and try to connect the center of your body with the movement of the arms. Keep the elbows alive and do not let them flop down. Tilt your head slightly to the left and look at your right hand. The first position for the arms is a basis for the future development of your movements. It will help you to stabilize your pirouettes, jumps and grand positions.
	Second position From the First position open the arms to the sides in a rounded curve. The line of your arms should be pointing slightly down from your shoulders. Try to keep your shoulder blades open, without them touching each other. The line is rounded in an open oval form which is reminiscent of a big embrace. The head and gaze should be gently angled to the right.
	Third position From the first position, lift your arms up above the head. Keep them a little bit in front of the head. When you raise your eyes up, you should see your fingers. The head should be angled gently to right and up. Keep the oval shape, without lifting your shoulders up.
	It’s important to know that this position can vary depending on the method of teaching classical ballet. In your dance class you will do well to listen to your teacher and his requirements.
	Important! Keep the oval shape of the arms, without lifting the shoulders up Do not bend your wrists but keep them in line with the curve of the arm Keep the elbows up maintaining the oval shape in one plane Straighten the body through your vertical center
	Hand position Within the arms positions you will build a beautiful oval shape that passes from shoulder to elbow and from elbow to hand. Look for this oval and constantly retain it during your exercises. Do not relax the hands while you hold the position. Be careful not to bend your wrists! The hands should continue the line of the arms! Let the fingers follow the oval curve without being tensed. The fingers are important to complete the arm positions. Keep them alive while moving. The finger positions consist of the following slight movements: Gently point your First and Third fingers one towards the other The Second finger points out, as if you are showing something on it
	Above all, look for your teacher’s assistance for the correct assimilation of the hand’s position.
	Traveling through positions With the basic positions of the arms you have practically learnt how to dance! They will bring you a sense of being beautiful within your body. An important movement to remember and employ, while you travel through the arm positions is the Alonge – extension or lengthening of your arms outwards. Perform the Alonge when you change from one position to another. Imagine that your arms are connected inside of your body. Your back is supporting the movement of your arms! Traveling through the positions is also connected with the movements of your head. The coordination of the head is very important to ensure you have complete movements.
	Port de Bras A “Port de bras” is based upon the connected movement of the arm positions in combination with the leg positions and the bending of the torso. They are fundamental to grander dance combinations. Within the Port de bras you will practice your grace and attitude when traveling through the basic positions.
	While you perform Port de Bras, try to keep the connection between the arms and back. The arms should be strong, but relaxed. Try to avoid overstretching. Your hands and fingers are an extension of the arm line. Do not allow the line to break at the wrists and do not flick the hands. Keep your elbows lifted and alive.
	The correct use of the arms in Port de bras assists in the techniques of jumping and turning. It is essential where you place them and the timing of their placement. The movements in Port de Bras are like a breath. They complete the movement and transmit the dancer’s passion.
	What you start when studying the basic positions will continue in your future dance development. A lot of new movements will be generated from the first positions you learn. If you have already decided to become a ballerina, you must prepare your self for diligent and constant work. Only with daily practice will you discover the secrets and mastery of becoming a dancer. Keep your passion for dance and make it happened!