Positions of the Body & Hands

Movement Demonstration

Definition

There are eight positions of the body in the Cecchetti method. In this lesson, we will learn five that are frequently used. These positions in themselves are a study in line and perspective, and their precepts should be applied to other movements in dancing:

1. Croisé devant (crossed in front). 

2. À la quatrième devant (to the fourth front). 

3. Écarté (thrown wide apart, separated). 

4. Effacé (shaded). 

5. À la seconde (to the second). 

6. Épaulé (shouldered). 

7. À la quatrième derrière (to the fourth back). 

8. Croisé derrière (crossed in back).

Movement Techniques

1. Brava:
   1. Arms rounded and controlled.
   2. Position hands a short distance from the body.
   3. Hands in front of the belly button,
   4. Back upright.
   5. Core engaged.
2. First Position:
   1. Place hands in front of the diaphragm.
   2. Arms rounded and controlled.
   3. Elbows are held up in line with the rib cage.
   4. Shoulders remain down.
3. Second Position:
   1. Hands open to the sides.
   2. Arms rounded and controlled.
   3. Hands should not be higher than the shoulders.
   4. Elbows are held up.
   5. Shoulders remain down.
4. Third Position:
   1. One arm remains in Second position.
   2. The other arm moves to First position.
   3. Keep hands relaxed and gentle, but not limp.
5. Fourth Position:
   1. One arm remains in Second position.
   2. The other arm moves to Fifth position.
6. Fifth Position:
   1. Lift both arms upwards
   2. Keep hands just on either side of the head.
   3. Shoulders remain down.
   4. Hands remain relaxed.
7. Techniques for ALL positions:
   1. Arms rounded and controlled.
   2. Shoulders remain down.
   3. Back upright.
   4. Core engaged.
   5. Elbows are held up.
   6. Relaxed but not limp hands. Delicate and graceful.