First Position

Orientation: Facing or Side Facing the Barre

The First Position Series is a ballet barre exercise that is essentially a narrow squat with emphasis on the front and inner thighs.

Heels come together, toes turn out, and small-range movement builds strength and control. While most often performed at a barre or other stable surface, it can also be adapted with a chair, pole, or wall for balance.

Framework Tip

For variety, add relevé (heel lifts), travel steps side to side, or leg extensions. First Position pairs well with Second Position (Wide Squats), Plié Pops (jumping wide to narrow), Standing Glutes, Cross (Curtsy) Lunges, Upper Body, and Side Thigh. Offer heel-down or wider stance options for accessibility.

First Position Exercises

  • First Position

    First Position

  • First Position Plié

    First Position Plié

    Narrow Squat; Legs externally rotated; Heels together, toes apart.

  • First Position Passé

    Passé

    One leg lifts; Externally rotated; Toes point to knee or calf.

  • Leg Extension

    Brush front, Leg Lift or Leg Extensions

  • First Position to Fourth Position Combo

    Fourth Position

    Example: First Position to Fourth Position Combo

First Position Choreography

Featured
Toddrick Hall “Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees”
Toddrick Hall “Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees”

This First Position and Glutes Series totally SLEIGHS! Includes a few moves at the end that match the lyrics, like the “Nutcracker.”

No Doubt “Spiderwebs”
No Doubt “Spiderwebs”

This Squat, Side Thigh and First Position Series uses a band to embody the tension of being caught in a spiderweb!

Fleur East “Lucky”
Fleur East “Lucky”

This First Position Series will exercise both your brain AND your body!

Whitney Houston “So Emotional”
Whitney Houston “So Emotional”

This First Position Series is sure to strengthen your calves & fire up your thighs!

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Standing Core Series
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Hamstrings & Calves