fifth position (feet)

[doormouse]

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere before - please forgive a newbie!

 

I'm 28 and started in a class for adult beginners in the summer. I mostly go once a week, but because of my job it can be a bit hit and miss. I did take ballet when I was very little, but at age 8 I was still in the pre-primary class doing "good toes, naughty toes!"

 

I'm loving it thus far, it is a fairly relaxed adult class, in that we can wear basically what we like (I've been reading the topic on dancewear with interest - have just been brave enough to go to class in pink tights, black shorties and a black t-shirt!), are all ages, shapes and sizes, and do as much as we can, as well as we can.

 

So here is my specific question - fifth position: We use it a lot in class, and it seems to be the 'base' position for a lot of steps/exercises. I find it hard in things like plies to balance and spread my weight between both feet properly, because my feet only go so far! Now clearly the ligaments in my hips are not as flexible as those of a six year old, but are there any exercises other adults can recommend to improve my fifth?

 

Thank you!

[Mel Johnson]

Ask your teacher if you may use third position as a substitute for fifth until your rotation improves.

[Victoria Leigh]

Welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers, doormouse. It's great that you have started classes, and you will find a lot of great adult students here on our forums! Many are, like you, just starting, but you will find a lot of help from all those who have been doing it for quite a while.

 

I'm wondering if you are in a class with people who have been there a while, or is it really a beginning beginning class? If it is, the teacher should be very busy helping you all to learn how to align your bones, where to place the weight of the body, and how to find the muscles that you use to keep it there. Not as easy as it sounds! Once these things are established, then you need to learn HOW to rotate your legs. Everything in ballet is rotated, and that rotation comes from the hips. If that has not been taught, then you can't be expected to find a good 5th position and maintain it.

 

There are some excellent pinned topics on this forum that you should read. They are about alignment and rotation.