Foot position (ballet)
The foot positions in ballet , like most other movements and poses, are standardized.
With the legs turned outwards, 5 foot positions are possible. The system of the 5 foot positions was first published by the French ballet master Raoul-Auger Feuillet . There is also a sixth foot position with parallel feet. Usually the foot positions are designated with Roman numerals to distinguish them from the arm positions described with Arabic numerals.
The foot positions shown in the pictograms represent an ideal image. Not all people, not even all ballet dancers, are able to perform these as shown. A forced foot position that is not adapted to the individual anatomical conditions can lead to chronic complaints of the musculoskeletal system.
I. position
The feet are next to each other, the heels touch.
II position
The feet are next to each other, the distance between the feet corresponds to the width of the hips.
III. position
The feet are in front of each other with the heel of the front foot touching the longitudinal arch of the back foot.
IV. Position
The feet are in front of each other, the distance between the feet corresponds to one foot length.
V. position
The feet are in front of each other, the heel of the back foot touches the ball of the small toe of the front foot.
VI. position
The feet are parallel to each other. They touch.
Variations
The positions of the feet are varied depending on the educational or choreographic objectives. Above all, the distances between the feet in the 2nd and 4th position often differ from the above.