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