How to Perform Neoclassical Ballet Positions for the Arms

Port de bras is the terminology for the carriage and movement of the arms in classical ballet. Holding and moving your arms when ballet dancing is what adds that extra grace and beauty to the art of ballet. Follow the steps below to learn all five positions of your arms along with the corresponding foot positions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

First Position

1. Stand with your feet together.

2. Turn your toes out to the side keeping your heels together.

3. Hold your arms slightly out from your waist with your finger tips nearly touching. Your arms will be rounded like you're holding a beach ball.

Second Position

4. From first position slide one foot to the side, widening your stance.

5. Move your arms from down in front of you to each arm out to the side of you. As you move your foot into the second position, your arms will move as well.

6. Keep your elbows up, arms rounded and palms facing out.

Third Position

7. Cross one foot in front of the other so that the heel of the front foot is positioned in the middle of the back foot.

8. Raise the opposite arm of the foot in front above your head. If you bring your right foot in front then raise your left arm.

9. Keep the other arm out to side.

Fourth Position

10. Slide your front foot forward and bring the heel in so the heel of your front foot is parallel with the toes of your back foot.

11. Drop the arm that was out to side in third position down in front of you.

12. The other arm will remain up above your head.

Fifth Position

13. Pull the front foot in from fourth position. Your feet will be close together with the heel of your front foot touching the toes of your back foot. Fifth position of your feet is basically a closed fourth position.

14. Lift the arm down in front of you above your head, meeting with the other arm.

15. Return to first position by bring your arms down in front of you and uncross you feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to keep a slight bend in your arms like your holding a giant ball.
• The positioning of your hands are important as well. Keep your wrists straight, thumbs in and your fingers should be loose.
• Your toes in classical ballet will always be turned out. Turn out starts at the hips by squeezing your behind down and in.