There are five fundamental dance positions that involve specific placements of the arms and feet: 1st position has arms in a circle in front of the chest and feet with heels together and toes apart; 2nd position has arms raised sideways and feet apart; 3rd position has one arm in front and one upward and one foot against the back of the other; 4th position has one arm in front and one overhead and feet one in front of the other; 5th position has both arms overhead and the front heel close to the back toe.

1. FUNDAMENTAL
DANCE POSITIONS

2. FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS
◦ There are five fundamental or basic positions in dance that are
commonly termed as 1st position, 2nd position, 3rd position, 4th
position, and 5th position of the feet and arms.

3. FIRST POSITION
◦ ARMS: Both arms raised in a circle
in front of chest with the finger tips
about an inch apart.
◦ FEET: Heels close together, toes
apart with an angle of about 45
degrees.

4. SECOND POSITION
◦ ARMS: Both raised sideward with a
graceful curve at shoulder level.
◦ FEET: Feet apart sideward of about
a pace distance.

5. THIRD POSITION
◦ ARMS: One arm raised in front as
in 2nd position; other arm raised
upward.
◦ FEET: Heel of one foot close to in-
step of other foot.

6. FOURTH POSITION
◦ ARMS: One arm raised in front as
in 1st position; other arm raised
overhead.
◦ FEET: One foot in front of other
foot of a pace distance.

7. FIFTH POSITION
◦ ARMS: Both arms raised overhead.
◦ FEET: Heel of front foot close to
big toe of rear foot.

8. FUNDAMENTAL DANCE POSITIONS