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How to Do the Retire Step in Ballet

As with any sport or type of dance, ballet has several steps and terms that dancers need to learn. From knowing the basic positions to more complicated jumps and turns, ballet requires a good deal of practice. The retire step is a basic position that comes from the French "retiré" ("withdrawn"). It is closely related to second position. It is a standing position and can be practiced with a barre. Just stand with your supporting leg closest to the barre.

Things You'll Need

  • Ballet barre
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand in second position, with both feet facing outward, away from the body. Second position is one of the six feet positions in ballet. Your arm position will depend on what ballet step you are transitioning into.

    • 2

      Bring the working foot up to the supporting leg's knee. This supporting leg is still in second position, with the foot facing outward from the body.

    • 3

      Point your toe toward your supporting leg's knee. Let it rest against your supporting leg's knee. The ballet dancer will usually come into the retire position and take her working leg into another transition.

    • 4

      Practice the retire step away from the barre after you have mastered it. This step will help you with your overall balance, especially when transitioning into another position.

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Ballet

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