Positions of the arms in ballet
There are two basic positions of the arms in ballet. 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, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Cecchetti, etcof the arms; the corresponding allongés positions are obtained by stretching the elbows and rotating the palms of the hands downwards.
Vaganova or Russian school:
Combinations of the basic arm positions are called:
These are used mainly in the centre.
French school and Royal Academy of Dance:
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