Positions in dances are the basic position of the body, arms and legs, from which most movements begin to take place. There are not many of them. But with the mastery of these provisions, training begins in any dance - both classical and modern. In this article we will analyze in detail the main positions.
Classical Dance Pose: Background
The school of classical ballet, like any dance direction, is based on basic positions, which are the beginning and base of the main stages.
And it was still born in the 17th century at the French ballet school at the Royal Academy of Music. Here the terminological base began to be created, as well as the first dance positions, which later became classic. The founder of all this is Pierre Boshan, choreographer of Louis XIV. All developments were recorded by P. Rameau in the book “Dance Master”.
The position of the legs and arms in the choreography has not changed much since then. And the Rameau edition has become a classic and has been translated into almost all European languages.
Why is it necessary to master positions?
The correct execution of dance steps directly depends on how well the classical positions are learned, since all movements begin from them.
The pose in classical dance is the most important. There is one rule for the fulfillment of all provisions - the dancer or dancer must stand upright, the abdomen is pulled in, the muscles are gathered, the posture is straight, and the buttocks are picked up.
Mastering the initial poses is considered the beginning of the beginnings in choreography of the last two hundred years in all ballet and dance schools. No matter how easy the description of these positions may seem, they are not as simple as at first glance. The execution technique is complex and requires physical fitness.
Foot position
The main positions in dancing are limited. There are not many - just six for the legs and three for the hands. We will talk more about them later. However, in various textbooks, information about this may vary slightly. For example, in some editions, the positions of the legs are five, not six, but we will stick to the classic version. Let us explain why there are discrepancies. There are six basic positions, but only five inversion.
Initially, positions are studied in the middle of the hall and attention is not drawn to the eversion of the legs. Especially if the students are young children or unprepared people. It is necessary that the students stand firmly on their feet and do not swing, otherwise they will not be able to repeat a single action.
The recommended procedure for studying poses is as follows: sixth, first, second, third, fifth, fourth (since it is considered the most difficult to master).
First
In another way it is also called "heels together, socks apart." The legs are on the same line, the center of gravity is distributed evenly throughout the foot. A very stable position, in which the socks should be turned outward as much as possible, ideally - be with the heel in line. No matter how simple the position may seem, repeating it the first time without preliminary preparation will not work.
Second
Positions in dances should be brought to automaticity. They can be compared with the alphabet of those who decided to devote their lives to choreography or chose it as their hobby. But back to the description.
In order to get into the second position, you need to put your feet the width of your foot, and then turn them out like in the first position. That is, socks apart and in line with the heels. The main thing here is to ensure that the body weight is evenly distributed between the two legs, otherwise the position will be unstable.
Third
Positions in dancing is a universal thing. This is the main advantage. Having mastered them once, you can study various dance forms and directions, from classical to modern. All will be based on these simple poses.
Technique of the third position: legs, as always, are straight. The heel of the right foot is attached to the middle of the left, while the socks are looking sideways. Quite a difficult position in which it is easy to lose balance, so it is better to bring students to the machine and let them hold on to it.
Fourth
Our choreography lessons are ongoing. We pass to the most difficult position to master and correctly execute. You need to start by putting your right foot in front of your left to the distance of your foot. Then, both legs turn out with their socks outward so that they become parallel to the heels. The most difficult pose to perform, so mastered after the rest.
There are two options for this position. In the first, the heel of the right foot is located opposite the middle of the left foot. In fact, we are in third position with our legs apart. In the second case, the heel of the right foot should be parallel to the toe of the left, and the toe of the right should be parallel to the heel of the left foot. The latter method of execution is somewhat more difficult. You should start it only after mastering the first option.
Fifth
Your choreography lessons will certainly begin with a study of these positions. Therefore, you can first familiarize yourself with the theory, to then facilitate the practice.
So, to get into the fifth position correctly, you need to firmly press the right and left feet, whose socks are directed in different directions. That is, the heel of one leg closes with the toe of the other. This position is easiest to move from the third. And do not forget about weight distribution and maintaining a stable position. You need to stand in a position freely, since it is only the beginning of the dance movement.
Sixth
The easiest pose to perform, which even beginners can easily repeat. To complete it, you just need to close your feet. In this case, the socks will look forward and snuggle together. Also, the pose is called "legs together."
When performing all the above actions, monitor the position of the body - the shoulders should be open, the legs are extremely stretched, the weight is distributed throughout the foot. You can not focus only on the thumb. Otherwise, maintaining balance and fulfilling the position will not work correctly.
Pay attention to the hands
The school of modern dance, like the ballet, includes the study of the main positions of the hands. This is necessary because all modern areas of choreography are based on those foundations that were laid back in the 17th century.
So, it is believed that there are only three positions for the hands, and all the rest are their variations. This is the most common, though not the only version.
Let's start with a description of the base position. Shoulders are straightened, hands are lowered down, both hands are looking inward, are close to each other, but do not touch. The elbows should be slightly rounded and located at a small distance from the body, that is, they should not be pressed against it. The arm should not rest on the body even under the armpits. The fingers should be closed, but free in the joints and soft. The thumb necessarily touches the middle one. The brush should continue the rounded line that began at the shoulder, in no case should it look like a broken one (bent at an acute angle).
If at the beginning of the movement the thumb and middle finger are open, then in the process of the beginning of movement, when attention switches to the work of the legs, they will disperse even more, and the appearance of the hand will become widespread and ugly. The location of the hands is very important. Make sure that the tips of your index fingers and little fingers are rounded. In this case, the hand should not be reduced from tension. At any time, she should be ready to change, so do not strain your muscles.
The first ballet position for hands
First you need to take the basic position described above. Hands must be raised forward so that they are just above the waist. The elbows remain slightly bent, the rounded shape remains. No sharp corners. You need to stay as collected and free as possible. You must be prepared for the fact that the next minute you will need to start moving. In this case, the muscles of the hands should be tensed.
Second hand position
The school of modern dance is also based on key positions. Therefore, any serious lesson in choreography will begin with a study of the basics.
So, as with all postures, the muscles must be tightened, the body is even. It is important to keep an eye on your shoulders: they should not be raised, lowered, or moved back. Hands are in front of you, as in the "two" position, but a little apart. The elbows are bent, but do not fall, the muscles should hold them well in one position. The forearm is on the same level as the elbow. In this position, the brush usually falls and becomes dangling, so it must be maintained.
This pose is one of the best for the formation of a proper dance posture. At first, the position will have an artificial appearance, but gradually you will bring your actions to automatism, and the figure will look very natural. You will no longer need to think about whether you support your wrists and elbows, your hands will respond to the slightest movements of the body, gaining maximum expressiveness.
Third hand position
And finally, the last ballet position of the hands. It starts, as usual, with a basic position. Then the arms rise up, the elbows remain rounded, the hands are at eye level, are close to each other, but do not touch. You should see your hands without raising your head for this.
Typically, hand poses are performed in motion. First you need to get into the base position, then go to the first, then to the second, third and return to the base position. It’s better to train the change of poses in dynamics, since students from the very beginning learn to work in motion, which is what is required in choreography.
You can break them into separate movements only at the beginning, when the first steps are taken on the path to development.
So, we learned that the basic positions of the arms and legs are very important for choreography. In addition, you must always monitor the position of the limbs, especially the hands and fingers. Dance is not only art, but also sport, which requires persistent and long training of the most seemingly simple movements. Without this, success cannot be achieved, not to mention professional development.