Definition

Noun: 1. A specific placement or alignment of the body, limbs, and especially the feet, codified in classical ballet technique. Each position defines a precise geometric relationship, forming the foundation for all ballet movements, steps, and poses.

Usage

The term "ballet position" is used to describe the fundamental stances from which a dancer begins and ends movements. It is a technical term central to ballet instruction and critique. * Primary Reference: The term most commonly refers to the five basic positions of the feet (first through fifth position). * Broader Application: It can also encompass positions of the arms (port de bras), body alignment (e.g., arabesque, attitude), and the orientation of the head.

Examples

• The instructor corrected the students' ballet position, emphasizing the turnout from the hips.
• Every exercise at the barre begins and ends in a classical ballet position.
• Her perfect fifth ballet position was the result of years of practice.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold a position": To maintain the precise alignment of a ballet position without movement.
  • The dancers had to hold the arabesque position for several counts.
• "To achieve a position": To successfully move the body into the correct and aesthetically proper alignment.
  • It took her months to achieve a clean and stable fourth position.

Variants and Related Words

• Position (n): In a general context, any way in which someone or something is placed or arranged. In ballet, it is always qualified (e.g., , ).
• Placement (n): Often used synonymously with "position" in dance pedagogy to refer to the correct alignment of the body.
• Pose (n): A stationary position, often held for artistic effect. While related, "pose" is a more general term than the technically specific "ballet position."

Synonyms

• Stance: A way of standing. (Less technical)
• Alignment: The arrangement of parts in correct relation to one another. (Describes the quality of a position)
• Posture: The carriage of the body. (General term)

Related Phrases

• Basic positions: Refers specifically to the five fundamental positions of the feet (first, second, third, fourth, fifth).
• Position of the arms: A specific category of ballet positions detailing the placement of the arms (e.g., , ).
• Body position: Refers to the overall alignment and shape of the torso and limbs in poses like , , or .

Noun

1. classical position of the body and especially the feet in ballet