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Ballet terms are a very much a language of their own. This is helpful for those who are teaching or choreographing because moves can be verbalized rather than physically demonstrated. However learning the words and the moves that are associated with the terms can be a large task to tackle Through out the course of a dancers career many basic and advanced terms will be presented and demonstrated and is is imperative that the dancers learn the terminology and moves well.

I am a dancer / choreographer and I'll admit I don't know ALL the fancy ballet terms. I know the basic terms and moves used by everyday dancers (not prima ballerinas). I would like to share my knowledge of these moves and terms with you.

Before you can begin learning basic ballet moves/ terms you must learn and understand the various placements of the feet. These foot placements are referred to as positions. Below I will explain some of the basic positions.

First position - When one stands with the feet heel to heel in the shape of a "-", arms should be out like you're holding a beach ball with your hands about an inch above your belly button.

Second position Is like first position with a slight gap between the heels of the feet. Usually one will stand with feet directly under ones shoulders (shoulders width apart)

Third position - One should stand with the left foot pointing to the outer 45 degree angel (or 135 degrees), right foot's heel is about an inch away from the toes of the left foot and also pointing to the outer 45 degree angel (or 135 degrees)

Fourth position-When one stands in fourth position feet are parallel to each other with the left foot typically behind the right in the 180 degree position. Feet a approximately 3-4 inches apart. Your thighs should be touching and legs should be straight.

Fifth position - When one stands in fifth position feet are parallel to each other with the left foot typically behind the right in the 180 degree position with no space between the feet. Your thighs should be touching and legs should be straight.

Moves and positions stem from the above feet positions so it is important to tackle the above positions first. Once basic foot positions are leaned and mastered various other positions and moves can be attempted. Such as:

Arabesque
The position of the body supported on one leg with the opposite leg (with the knee straight) extended behind the body. The back leg may either touch the floor (in tendu) or be raised in the air at an angle upper

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