Making Progress in Ballet Shoes and Pointe Shoes by Understanding Basic Ballet Positions

You may not be asked to do this in a beginner- is there a small curve inward at the small of
(including adult beginner) ballet class. If youryour back (everyone's natural curve will look
teacher skips this step, you can do it at home.different in relation to the shape of their gluteal
Stand in front of a mirror in your ballet clothes, ormuscles)
wear shorts and a tight top so you can see your- can you pull the very bottom of your abdomen
knees, and your general posture. A hard floor isup and in without changing the tilt of your pelvis
better than a plush carpet. Here are things to- is your chest lifted allowing your shoulders to
notice:relax, not drooping forward
- are your feet evenly touching the floor with- is your neck relaxed - turn your head slightly
your weight distributed evenly between thefrom side to side, and up and down a little, to get
center of your heel, the little toe joint area andinto a relaxed position
the big toe joint area (this is often called "tripod")Of course it is your teacher's job to notice all of
- do your ankles roll inward or outwardthis, but it gets you ahead if you can see these
- do your calves naturally stand in a straight linefactors, and correct yourself as much as possible.
upward to your knees, or do they bow outAlways ask for help if you need more information
slightlyto be sure.
- do your knees face the front or slightly inwardAll of the above will determine how you will stand
- are your hips and shoulders level or even a tinyin first, second, third, fourth and fifth ballet
bit unevenpositions. Aside from introducing the element of
- standing sideways to the mirror, are your kneesturn out, your understanding of posture and how
above your ankles or do they over-straighten andyour feet are placed on the floor, will determine
curve behind youhow you progress learning basic ballet positions.