Becoming a Ballerina Activity

BECOME A BALLERINA

Now that you’ve learned more about the history of ballet, take some time to learn some of the basic steps and practice a little ballet on your own before coming to see The Nutcracker Ballet!

Classroom Activity: Learning the Dancer’s Basic Positions

Objective: Students will be able to move through the basic ballet positions. Students will have a general understanding of dance positions and movement between each position using balance and good posture.

Use the instructions and activities on the next two pages to help your students learn the basics of ballet as they prepare to come see The Nutcracker on stage at the Coronado Theatre.

In ballet there are five basic positions of the feet and arms. Have your class stand and move their arms around them to get a feel for their personal space. They should have enough room to move without touching anyone. Choose a student to lead the class by demonstrating the basic positions.

First practice the positions of the feet.

First Position Second Position Third Position Fourth Position Fifth Position

Now practice the positions of the arms.

First Position Second Position Third Position Fourth Position Fifth Position