Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: First Position

How: This is a first position of the feet. In a first position, the dancer is standing turned out with their heels touching and their toes facing outward. The knees should also be facing the side in the same direction that the toes are facing. This is usually the first position that every dancer learns and is also used to execute a wide variety of steps as the dancer becomes more advanced.

Tip: The rotation of the legs should be coming from the activation of the deep rotators. From there, try to feel a spiral going outwards (clockwise for the right leg and counter clockwise for the left leg) and down the leg to keep the whole leg turned out, connected and activated. Try to keep the spiral feeling going past the feet and into ground for a lengthening feel. The knees should be facing the same direction as the toes as this creates a stable foundation and helps avoid injury. 

Dancer: Juan Carlos Luna and Juan Antonio Luna, The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3