Arm Positions

Definition:
Arm Positions are the five positions of the arms as defined in ballet. The following are the arm positions according to the French school (arms are slightly curved in all positions):

• 1st Position: Arms down, slightly in front of the body or arms in front of the body about sternum level.
• 2nd Position: Arms extended to the sides.
• 3rd and 4th Positions: Several variations exist. One example is one arm overhead with the other extended to the side.
• 5th Position: Arms overhead, slightly in front of the body.

Notes

• Used to develop port de bras (carriage of the arms).
• Incorporated into ballroom arm styling for aesthetics.