Dance position is the position of a dancer or the mutual position of a dance couple assumed during a dance. Describing and mastering proper dance positions is an important part of dance technique. These dance positions of a single dancer may be further detailed into body, head, arm, hand, leg, and foot positions; also, these positions in a dance couple can additionally take into account connection, the relative orientation of partners, and directions of movement (or of movement intention). In ballet, the term "pose" is used to describe stationary dance positions; the most important are referred to as "first position" through to "fifth position." The following includes descriptions of all major ballet positions.

Development

Classical ballet positions were influenced by Baroque art, especially the ideal of contraposto in sculpture, where the limbs were arranged "as an active spiral, denying any flattening symmetrical frontality." Added to this was the "conscious elegance" and martial skill of the nobles who danced the first court ballets, whose "gestures were symmetrical, harmonious, circular; all opening from a central axis, based on the turned-out leg and port de bras or fencing position.... to provide a base for thrusting, dodging, and recoiling.... to move in any direction instantly." In 1661, Louis XIV asked his ballet master, Pierre Beauchamp, "to codify, classify, and name the style and all the acceptable and successfully pretty steps."

Five basic foot positions

Most all leg movements begin from, and end at, these five positions: The dancer's weight should be centered between the feet, with tightened thighs and buttocks, thighs turned outward, knees in line with center of feet, shoulders down, arms rounded and slightly away from the body, head centered, and eyes straight ahead.

Five basic arm positions

Body positions