Ballet Vocabulary Positions Movements First Position The heels

Ballet: Vocabulary Positions & Movements

First Position • The heels touch each other and the feet face outward, trying to form a straight line, the balls of the feet are turned out

Second Position • The feet face outward, trying to form a straight line, the balls of the feet are turned out, heels shoulder width apart.

Third Position • One foot in front of other with the front foot heel touching the arch of the back foot.

Fourth Position • One foot in front of other with the front foot heel a foot length in front of the arch of the back foot. (3 rd position with a soccer ball size space)

Fifth Position • One foot in front of other front heel touching back toes and back toes touching front heel

Arm Positions • Every ballet step originates from one of the five basic feet positions of ballet. There also five basic positions of the arms in ballet. (Both the names and actual positions vary based on method. The positions shown here illustrate the French Method. ) • Practice these positions, as they form the basis for all of ballet dancing.

First Position • away from the body. • Both arms should be rounded with your fingers almost touching. • Relax your hands and shoulders.

Second Position • • • From first position, raise your arms to the side. Keep your arms slightly rounded. Lower your elbows slightly below your shoulders. Make sure your wrists are lower than your elbows. Keep your shoulders down, your neck long and your chin up

Third Position • Raise your left arm over your head, slightly forward. • Round your right arm to the side at belly button height. • Keep the palm of your hand turned forward. (opposite like walking)

Fourth Position • Bring your left arm forward, slightly rounded at the height of your chest. • Raise your right arm above your head, slightly rounded.

Fifth Position • Starting with arms in first position, raise the arms over the head. You should be able to see your hands without moving your head. • Round your arms with your elbows slightly bent. • Your hands should be about 6 inches apart. • Make sure your palms are facing inward. (Note: There actually three positions of the arms in fifth position in ballet: low, middle and high fifth. The illustration pictured is what? )

Other Positions • Demi-Plie Demi, meaning half and Plie meaning, smooth and continuous bending of the knees. • Grand-Plie A full plié, or bending of the knees. The back should be straight and aligned with the heels, and the legs are turned out with knees over the feet.

Tendu • Literally, "stretched” the working leg is extended to either the front, side or back, gradually along the floor until only the tip of the toe remains touching the floor before lifting.

Soutenu • series of turns in quick succession. The dancer must first execute a demi plié while extending the leading leg in a tendu position and then stepping up on a tight leg and beginning the turn while simultaneously bringing the other leg up to a raised position while finishing a full 360 degree turn.

Arabesque • the position of the body supported on one leg, with the other leg extended behind the body with the knee straight. The standing leg may be either bent, in plie, or straight.

Passe • Pointed foot of the working leg passes the knee of supporting leg Releve • Raise the body on one or two feet using the tips of the toes or ball of the foot.

Sauté - Jump

Ballet A classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing formalized steps and gestures set in intricate, flowing patterns to create expression through movement.

Ballerina Lead female dancer who has put in years of hard work.

Choreographer A person who makes up a routine used in a dance performance.

Pointe Shoes • Original and unique (no 2 are the same) • Hand made • Make a ballerina look magical, daring, and like she is floating on air • Made of a rigid box composed of layers of fabric, cardboard, paper and glue • Male dancers did not normally wear these shoes

Story Ballets tell a story • a narrative action • Elements of plot: characters • beginning & end

Plotless Ballets have no story line • images are created from body movements • Theatrical elements are used to interpret music • Body movements express or provoke emotion

Classical Ballet was popular in 19 th century Russia • Movements were graceful and flowing • Made up of story ballets • Turn-out legs and pointe work

Neo-Classical Ballet is non-narrative • Simple sets and costumes • One act • Increased speed, energy and attack

Contemporary Ballet is influenced by modern dance • Floor work • Turn-in of the legs • Pointe shoes and bare feet