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How to Do a Plie Ballet Position

The plié is a basic ballet step that's done in all five ballet positions. In each position, you can do a demi-plié, half a plié, a grand plié or full plié. As you complete a plié in each position, your arms accent the plié. The first pliés to master are in first, second and third positions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand tall in first position, with your heels together and your toes turned out. Your arms should be ready at your sides. Complete a preparation movement with your arms and turn your head towards your right arm as you prepare for the plié.

    • 2

      Bend your knees slowly so they're over your toes, focusing on pulling the knees over your toes rather than simply letting them relax. Come halfway down into a demi-plié . Slowly straighten your legs to complete the demi-plié in first position, using your thigh muscles to bring you up.

    • 3

      Move into a grand plié in first position by bending your knees in line with your toes. Bend deeply and slowly so your thighs are approximately parallel to the floor and your heels are off the ground. Straighten your legs to complete the grand-plié in first position, with a special focus on keeping your body straight and tall.

    • 4

      Assume second position, a wide stance with the toes turned out. Bend your knees over your toes and come halfway down into a demi-plié, using the same focus as you did in first position. Straighten your legs to complete the demi-plié in second position.

    • 5

      Do a grand-plié in second position by bending deeply until your legs are approximately parallel with the floor. This time, keep your heels on the floor rather than raising them. Complete the grand-plié in second position by straightening your legs.

    • 6

      Adjust your stance to third position, with your right heel tucked into your left instep and your toes turned out. Bend your knees to move into the demi-plié, then straighten them to complete it.

    • 7

      Complete the grand-plié in third position by bending deeply and bringing your heels off the floor as you did in first position. Straighten your legs to return to third position.

Ballet

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