How Do You Do Ballet: A Simple Introduction for Beginners

Ballet is a beautiful, disciplined art form that has captivated audiences for centuries. Its movement combines strength, flexibility, grace, and storytelling, making it both an athletic pursuit and a means of artistic expression.

Understanding the fundamental movements, terminology, and proper techniques is essential if you’re just beginning your ballet journey. Although ballet can initially seem complicated, you can pick it up quickly with the right mindset and consistent practice.

Whether you’ve always been interested in ballet or are a beginner wondering how to start, this guide will break down the basics, making it accessible and easy to understand.

The Basics of Ballet

Ballet is structured around a series of movements, poses, and jumps in specific positions. Understanding these foundational concepts will make your learning process much smoother.

1. Ballet Positions

Before you even begin to learn ballet movements, it’s essential to understand the basic positions. These positions form the foundation for almost every step in ballet. There are several positions for the feet and arms, but the four main positions for the feet are as follows:

• First Position: In this position, the heels are touching, and the toes point outward in a V shape.
• Second Position: The feet are turned outward, but this time, they’re placed wider apart, roughly shoulder-width.
• Third Position: One foot is in front of the other, both turned outward, and one foot is placed at the arch of the other foot.
• Fourth Position: One foot is placed in front of the other, about a foot-length apart, with the toes pointing outward.
• Fifth Position: Both feet are placed close together, one foot in front of the other, with the heel touching the toes.

In addition to the foot positions, there are also positions for the arms, which will be used to create shapes during the dance. These positions help maintain balance, express grace, and frame the dancer’s movements.

Why It’s Important:

The plié is often referred to as ballet’s ” foundation.” It helps warm the muscles and prepare the body for more complex movements. It also teaches the dancer to maintain proper alignment, an essential aspect of good ballet technique.

2. Ballet Posture and Alignment

Ballet requires a high level of body awareness and alignment. Proper posture is essential for safety, performance, and technique. Maintaining an elongated, upright posture is essential for moving correctly and preventing injury.

The ideal ballet posture involves:

• Standing tall with a straight back.
• Engaging your core muscles to hold your torso steady.
• Keeping the shoulders relaxed and back not hunched.
• Tucking the pelvis slightly and pulling the navel towards the spine to maintain neutral spine alignment.
• Keeping the head held high and the chin parallel to the floor, with a focus ahead.

Maintaining good posture throughout each movement will help strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.

Essential Ballet Movements for Beginners

Now that we’ve covered the basics of position and posture let’s explore some of the fundamental ballet movements that beginners will encounter in their classes.

1. Plié (Bend)

The plié is one of the most basic and essential ballet movements. It involves bending the knees, keeping the upper body tall, and turning the feet out. The plié is a leg warm-up exercise that helps with balance and fluid movement.

• How to Perform It: Begin in the first or second position. Slowly bend your knees, keeping your heels down. Make sure your knees follow the direction of your toes (outward). The back should remain straight, and the chest should be lifted. As you bend, lower your body with control and return to the starting position.
• Why It’s Important: The plié improves leg strength, flexibility, and control. It also helps prepare the body for more advanced movements, such as jumps and leaps.

2. Tendu (Stretch)

Tendu means “to stretch,” and it is one of the most basic movements in ballet. This step involves sliding one foot along the floor to a pointed position. It often strengthens the feet and legs while improving posture and control.

• How to Perform It: Start in the first position. Slide one foot out along the floor, pointing your toes until your foot is extended fully. The toes should remain in contact with the floor. Keep the supporting leg straight and the body upright.
• Why It’s Important: The tendu strengthens the feet and legs, promotes proper foot alignment, and teaches movement control and extension.

3. Arabesque (Leg Extension)

The arabesque is a graceful position where one leg is extended behind you. This move requires balance, flexibility, and core strength, making it an excellent exercise for building strength in the back and legs.

• How to Perform It: Start in the first or second position. Slowly lift one leg behind you while keeping your upper body steady and upright. Your arms should complement the body’s line. Hold the position briefly, then return to the starting position.
• Why It’s Important: Arabesques develop strength in the legs and core while improving balance and flexibility. They’re essential for achieving height and fluidity in more advanced ballet techniques.

4. Relevé (Raised)

A relevé is a movement where the dancer rises onto the balls of the feet or up onto the toes. It’s typically performed after pliés and is a great way to build strength and balance in the feet and legs.

• How to Perform It: Begin in the first or fifth position. Slowly lift your heels and rise onto the balls of your feet or, for advanced levels, onto your toes. Hold a moment and lower your heels back to the ground with control.
• Why It’s Important: Relevés help improve balance and foot strength, essential for many ballet jumps and turns. They also enhance the dancer’s ability to perform on pointe as they progress in their training.

5. Pirouette (Turn)

A pirouette is a turn on one leg, a hallmark of ballet technique. It requires balance, control, and proper alignment. Mastering the pirouette takes time, but it’s essential for any ballet dancer.

• How to Perform It: Begin in the fifth position with one foot in front of the other. Start by performing a plié to prepare. Then, push off the floor with your standing leg and rotate your body, keeping the supporting leg straight and your body centered. Spot your head by focusing on a specific point to avoid dizziness.
• Why It’s Important: Pirouettes improve balance, body control, and coordination. They also help with focus and posture, which are necessary for performing complex ballet routines.

Conclusion

Ballet is a rewarding and enriching art form that provides benefits far beyond dance itself. For beginners, mastering the basic movements like pliés, tendus, relevés, arabesques, and pirouettes lays a strong foundation for advancing in ballet. These movements not only improve physical strength, flexibility, and balance, but they also help develop discipline and artistry.

If you’re eager to learn ballet or help your child begin their ballet journey, Kew School of Dance offers excellent classes catering to all skill levels. Our experienced instructors are here to guide you step-by-step through learning ballet, ensuring that you progress at your own pace while enjoying the beauty of the art form. For more information, contact us at 03 9123 8458 / 0410 311 008 and begin your ballet journey today!