​First Position

​the heels are together, with toes turned out until the feet are in a straight line

​Second Position

the feet are in a parallel line, separated by a distance of about 12 inches (30 cm) and both turned outward, with the weight equally divided between them.

​Third Position

​the heel of one foot rests against the instep of the other; both are firmly turned out, and the weight is divided between them. Used extensively in 18th-century social dances such as the minuet and gavotte, this position has almost disappeared from theatrical usage.

​Fourth Position

​one foot rests about 12 inches in advance of the other, both are turned out, and the weight is divided between them. Like the second position,

​Fifth Position

​the feet are turned out and pressed closely together, the heel of the one foot against the toe of the other.