Ballet Dictionary: 5th Position (Arms)

Ballet Dictionary: 5th Position (Arms)

Photo by Mark Sumaylo  Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: 5th Position (Arms)

How: A 5th Position with the arms is where both arms (or one arm if the other is holding the barre) are extended above your head, with softly rounded elbows and held slightly forward so you are able to see them with your peripheral vision. The fingertips are approximately a hand width apart and should never touch.

Tip: Keep the shoulders down as the arms are raised. This can be done by connecting your shoulders to your back muscles, always keeping them engaged so the back is always held. 

Dancers: Germaine Dawal, Juan Angelo De Leon and Ian Jace Sunlayan, scholars of Ballet Manila’s Project Ballet Futures

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3

25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #5

25 life lessons I learned from ballet - #5

Abigail Oliveiro: Ready to take on more challenging roles as Ballet Manila’s new principal dancer

Abigail Oliveiro: Ready to take on more challenging roles as Ballet Manila’s new principal dancer