First Position

     With your heels touching, turn each leg out from the hip, moving your toes to the side.  At first you may not be able to turn out very far.  Don't try to force your feet, it will improve with practice and hard work.  Your arms should be held in front in an oval shape.  Your hands should continue the line of your arms.  Curve your fingers, especially the third, and relax your thumbs toward your palms.

Second Position

     Keep your toes in the same line as first position, but keep your feet apart.  The space between your heels should be about the length of one foot.  Be careful not to roll your feet forward, putting too much weight on your big toes.  Your weight should be spread equally throughout your feet.  Open your arms wide, but keep them in front of your shoulders and slightly rounded.  Be careful not to drop your elbows and try to keep your fingers delicate and soft.

Third Position

     Cross one foot halfway in front of the other.  Don't forget that it is not just your feet working.  Keep your legs turned out and your body lifted.  Third position is used in character dances and musicals.  Hold one of your arms curved in front of you and the other out to the side.  To help you keep the right shape, imagine that something is gently supporting your little fingers and elbow.

Fourth Position

     This position can be either crossed or open.  For crossed, place one foot exactly in front of the other with space between them.  Uncross your legs, putting your heels in line but keeping the space to perform the open position.  Take one arm up and hold it in a graceful curve, slightly in front of your head.  Your other arm should be out to the side, also gently rounded.

Fifth Position

     You will study this position when your feet and legs have become strong enough to hold the other positions correctly.  It requires good turnout to be performed well.  Stand with your feet fully crossed and touching each other firmly.  Take both arms up and hold them in an oval shape, framing your face.  Do not let your shoulders lift with your arms.  Without looking up, you should be aware of you fingers, slightly front of your head.

Epaulement

     Almost from the start of your training you will learn how to turn your body a little toward or away your audience.  This slight turn of your body makes you look quite different from standing en face.  It softens the line of your body and refines you pose, giving you an idea of how a basic shape can be artistically reformed.