There are many different names for ballet arm positions depending on which ballet method you are learning. It must be mentioned, however, that only the name changes, not the position. Good ballet technique is still good ballet technique, regardless of your chosen method or the name of the position.
We’ve put together this handy guide to help you with the correct placement of arms in ballet, along with the positions’ different names in each ballet method.
Bras bas - RAD, Imperial Ballet
Fifth en bas - Cecchetti
Preparatory position - Vaganova/Russian method
The arms are held in an oval shape with the hands in front of the thighs, directly beneath each shoulder. This ensures that the shoulders remain open and relaxed. The hands should not be touching the legs, but a little in front. The elbows point out to the sides, not backwards.P
First position - RAD, Vaganova/Russian method (Major poses)
Fifth position en avant - Cecchetti
En avant - Imperial Ballet
Maintaining the same oval shape as bras bas, the arms are opposite the waist. They should also keep the same distance between the hands as bras bas. The palms of the hands are facing the dancer, and the elbows are supported and pointing to the sides. The shoulders should remain relaxed.
Second position - RAD, Vaganova/Russian method (Major poses), Cecchetti
Á la seconde - Imperial Ballet
In second, the arms are extended to the sides, but a little in front of the body. The arms are not extended exactly horizontally to the side – there is instead a gentle, small slope downwards from the shoulders. The elbows should remain supported, with the palms of the hands facing forwards.
Third position - RAD
Bras croisé - Imperial Ballet
Fourth position en avant - Cecchetti
Small pose - Vaganova/Russian method
For third position, one arm is placed in first position and the other in second position (in RAD terminology), while observing all rules for these two positions. The dancer should imagine a vertical line down the centre of their body, dividing it in two; the front arm should not cross this centre line.
Fourth position - RAD
Fourth position en haut - Cecchetti
Attitude - Imperial Ballet
Big pose - Vaganova/Russian method
One arm is placed in first position and one arm is placed in second position (RAD), observing all the rules for these positions. The dancer should imagine a vertical line down the centre of their body, dividing it in two; the front arm should not cross this centre line.
Fifth position – RAD
En couronne – Imperial Ballet
Fifth en haut - Cecchetti
Third position - Vaganova/Russian method
The arms maintain the same oval shape as in bras bas and first position (RAD), also keeping the same distance between the hands as bras bas and first position (RAD). The hands are raised above the head but slightly in front (opposite the hair line).
Younger dancers will begin training this position with the arms further forwards. As they gain more core strength and control, the position will move further back. Advanced dancers use arms in fifth directly above the head for turns and grand allegro. Regardless of the standard of the dancer, the arms will never go behind the body. The palms of the hands are facing the dancer and the elbows are supported and pointing to the sides. The shoulders should remain re
Demi bras
The arms are extended in front. They are held out lower and wider than 1st position. The palms are facing diagonally upwards (neither facing each other nor facing upwards) with a soft curve through the elbows.
Demi seconde
The hands are half way between bras bas and second position (RAD). The arms are slightly curved with the palms facing each other.
When it comes to perfecting any ballet positions of the upper body, it's important to get as comfortable as possible performing them so that they flow naturally from one to the other. Practice is absolutely key here, as is making sure your dance top, leotard or unitard fits well and is of high quality, flexible material.