How Do You Teach Body Positions In Ballet?
Whether you’re instructing ballet to beginners, or a parent who wants to supplement her child’s learning with work at home, it’s important to be familiar with the body positions of ballet. Five basic ballet positions are the building blocks for every aspiring dancer. Here’s how to form them. Instruct the students to stand with their toes turning out so that they form a “V” with their feet. Their heels and knees should be together. This is known as first position. Tell them to adjust the turnout of their feet if they feel like they’re falling over. Demonstrate the arm placement. Students should gently curve their arms at the elbow and wrist as both are held out in front of the body. Demonstrate the move into second position. Separate your feet about the width of your shoulders. Place your arms to the sides, again a gentle curve. Make sure your hips have proper turnout. Teach third position by picking up one foot and placing it so that the heel touches about midway on the inside of other
