Ballet Positions

Ballet positions are essential to learning this gracious form of dancing. Most dancers know that Ballet is the foundation of dance and without it, the dancer is left lacking in proper technique. Ballet positions are similar to blueprints. Without such, it is impossible to build upon. A smart dancer is coveted among teachers and choreographers, and dancers who know their ballet positions are more successful and learn far more, much quicker than dancers who don’t.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to Ballet Positions:

The Cecchetti Method and the Russian/French Schools.

The Cecchetti Method was founded by Enrico Ceccetti who was an Italian dancer and Ballet master. His method is very regimented and requires each student to pass a series of examinations in order to proceed to the next level. This regiment was set in place in order to raise the standard of dancing and teaching, with a strong emphasis on technique.

The Cecchetti Method consists of 8 basic body positions:

1. Croise’ devant 2. A’ la quatrieme devant 3. Ecarte 4. Efface 5. A la seconde 6. Epaule 7. A la quatrieme derriere 8. Croise Derriere

The Russian School is known for its strong, vibrant and passionate interpretation versus the French School which is known more for it’s soft, elegant, and graceful movements. Both schools teach the same body positions, all 11 of which are listed below.

The Russian/French Schools 11 basic body positions:

1. Croise’ devant 2. Croise Derriere 3. A’ la quatrieme devant 4. A la quatrieme derriere 5. A la seconde 6. Ecarte devant 7. Ecarte derriere 8. Efface devant 9. Efface derriere 10. Epaule devant 11. Epaule derriere

Your dance education shouldn’t end with simply knowing your Ballet Positions. In order to improve your Ballet technique, it is necessary to compliment your knowledge of the art form with consistent physical application.

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