When the lights slowly dim and there is a hush that rolls over the audience, I am always enchanted by a beautiful ballet. Knowing some of the French terminology used always enhances my experience. In the program I read that the "cavalier" (the male partner of the ballerina), is a "virtuoso" (a performer of great technical ability); or that the "corps de ballet" (the company of dancers that do not do solos), are featured in the last act. More importantly, I know if I'm going to teach or even participate in any dance class, it is essential that I learn the vocabulary of ballet.

As a dancer instructor, I have learned that a class can follow directions much better and learn more if they understand some basic ballet terms. Because every movement starts from one of the five basic positions, I always begin with them. Although there are slight variations in the arm positions depending on the technique you are using, the positions of the feet are standard anywhere in the world. For simplicity, I will describe the arms and feet used in the French School since the early seventeenth century.

PREMIERE POSITION (first position)

In this position, the heels and knees are together with the legs turned out from the hips. Ideally, the feet form a straight-line, or a 180 degree angle. The arms are held forward in front of the torso as if they were holding a large barrel. The fingers do not meet.

SECONDE POSITION (second position)

The legs are similarly turned out in second position, but they about shoulder width apart. The arms are held outstretched with a soft curve like they are gently hugging a giant Sequoia tree.

TROISIEME POSITION (third position)

With the legs still in a turned out position, one foot is in front of the other in third position. The heel of the front foot touches the middle edge of the back foot. Either foot can be in front. If the right foot is in front, the curved right arm is held overhead. The curved left arm is extended out to the side.

QUATRIEME POSITION (fourth position)

The only two differences between the third and fourth positions are that the feet are about twelve inches apart, and the outstretched arm is now held in front of the torso.

CINQUIEME POSITION (fifth position)

In this position, the legs squeeze together at the thighs and the heel of the front foot touches the big toe of the back foot. Both arms are curved overhead.

Once you are familiar with the five basic positions you will be introduced to some fundamental exercises for class. In order

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