Ballet Dictionary: Fifth Position
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
What: Fifth Position (feet)
Fifth Position is one of the most difficult positions of the feet. A fifth position is where one turned out foot would be in front of the other turned out foot. An ideal and neat fifth position would be where the heel of the front foot is in contact with the big toe of the foot that is behind it, and hence the little toe of the front foot is in contact with the heel of the foot that is behind it. The difficulty lies in the maintenance of proper turn out when both knees are straight and then utilizing this position when dancing, trying to keep it as neat as possible. This position can be done on flat (demonstrated by Celine), on demi pointe (demonstrated by Eduardson) and on pointe.
Dancers: Eduardson Evangelio and Celine Astrologo, Ballet Manila 2
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 2
