Position of the arms in ballet

There are two basic positions for the arms. In one, the dancer keeps the fingers of both arms almost touching to form an oval shape, either almost touching the hips, or at navel level, or raised above the dancer's head. In the other, the arms are extended to the sides with the elbows slightly bent. These positions may be combined to give other positions. Names differ according to the school/method followed, such as Vaganova, French, Cecchetti, etc.The following descriptions apply to the rounded positions of the arms; the corresponding "allongés" positions are obtained by stretching the elbows and rotating the palms of the hands downwards.

"Vaganova" or Russian school:
* Bras bas or preparatory position: both arms are down and rounded with both hands just in front of the hips, fingers almost touching.
* First position: maintaining the curved shape, arms are brought up so that the tips of the fingers are in line with the navel or no higher than the sternum.
* Second position: arms are out to the sides, angled down and forward, with palms facing forward. Elbows are slightly lower than the shoulders, and wrists are level with the elbow.
* Third position: arms are curved as in first position and raised just above and slightly forward of the head.

Combinations of the basic arm positions are called:
* Petite pose: one arm is in second position, the other is in first position
* Grande pose: one arm is in second position, the other is in third position These are used mainly in the centre.

"French school":
* Bras bas or "bras au repos": both arms are rounded with the fingers almost touching, both hands just in front of the hips.
* First position: maintaining this curved shape, arms are brought up so that the tips of the fingers are in line with the navel.
* Second position: arms are out to the sides, angled down and forward, with palms facing forward. Elbows are slightly lower than the shoulders, and wrists are slightly lower than the elbow.
* Third position: one arm is in second position, the other is rounded and raised above the head.
* Fourth position: one arm is in first position, the other is rounded and raised above the head.
* Fifth position or "bras en couronne": both arms are rounded and held above and slightly forward of the head.

"Cecchetti method":
* First position: both arms are slightly rounded with the fingers beside the dancer's thighs (as if holding the tutu).
* Second position: arms are out to the sides with an angle down and forward, palms facing forward. The elbow is slightly lower than the shoulder, and the wrist is slightly lower than the elbow. A position intermediate between the first and the second position is called "demi-seconde".
* Third position: one arm is in the first position, the other is in "demi-seconde".
* Fourth position: there are two fourth positions; fourth "en avant" (in front): one arm is in second position, the other is in fifth "en avant"; fourth "en haut" (high): one arm is in second position, the other is in fifth position "en haut".
* Fifth position: whenever the arms are rounded to form an oval, they are in fifth position. There is a fifth position "en bas" (down); "en avant" (forward - Russian and French first position); and "en haut" (high - Russian third position).