1. Positions**: These refer to the specific placement and alignment of the feet and arms. There are five basic foot positions and five arm positions in ballet.
- Feet Positions: First Position (heels together, toes turned out), Second Position (feet turned out, one foot in front of the other), Third Position (one foot in front of the other, heel of the front foot touching the instep of the back foot), Fourth Position (feet turned out, one foot in front of the other, heel of the front foot in line with the arch of the back foot), Fifth Position (feet turned out, one foot in front of the other, heel of the front foot touching the big toe of the back foot).
- Arm Positions: First Position (arms rounded in front of the body, elbows held high and hands slightly lower than the shoulders), Second Position (arms extended to the sides at shoulder height, palms down), Third Position (one arm extended to the front and slightly above shoulder height, the other arm extended to the side at shoulder height), Fourth Position (both arms extended to the side at shoulder height, one arm higher than the other), and Fifth Position (both arms extended overhead, palms facing each other).
2. Plié: This is a bending and straightening of the knees with the feet remaining flat on the floor. Plié can be performed in first, second, third, fourth, or fifth position.
- Demi-Plié: A half-bend of the knees.
- Grand Plié: A full bend of the knees, with the thighs parallel to the floor.
3. Relevé: This is a raising of the heels from the floor, keeping the knees straight and the feet turned out. Relevé can be performed in any of the five foot positions.
- Demi-Relevé: A half-rise on the toes.
- Grand Relevé: A full rise on the toes.
4. Tendu: This is a stretching movement of the leg, either to the front, side, or back, with the knee straight and the foot turned out. Tendu can be performed in any of the five foot positions.
5. Dégagé: This is a movement where the leg is lifted off the floor, bending at the knee, and then straightened again, with the toes pointing downwards. Dégagé can be performed in any direction.
6. Battement Tendu: This is a combination of tendu and dégagé, where the leg is stretched out to the front, side, or back and then quickly brought back to the starting position.
7. Rond de Jambe: This is a circular movement of the leg, either on the floor or in the air. Rond de jambe can be performed in any of the five foot positions.
8. Fondu: This is a slow and controlled lowering of the body with the knees bent. Fondu can be performed in any of the five foot positions.
These fundamental steps of arms and feet serve as the building blocks for more complex choreography in ballet and other dance forms, emphasizing the importance of precision, coordination, and musicality. Mastering these basic steps is crucial for dancers of all levels to achieve technical proficiency and artistic expression.