What is the fourth position in dance
So, the fourth position in dance. It's one of those basic stances you see all the time in ballet and other styles. You put one foot in front of the other, with a specific gap between them, and it creates this crossed or open alignment. Honestly, in classical ballet, it's kind of a big deal. It's the bridge between other positions and the starting block for turns, jumps, and balances. Thing is, you can do it two ways: open fourth or closed fourth. Depends on where your feet land relative to each other.
How is the fourth position executed in ballet?
In ballet, you get into fourth by putting one foot in front of the other. The heel of your front foot lines up with the toe of your back foot. Your feet rotate out from the hips—ideally to a 90-degree angle, maybe more if you're flexible. Weight sits evenly on both feet, legs are straight but not locked. Your arms? Usually held in fourth position en haut (overhead) or en avant (in front). Depends on what the choreography calls for.
- Open fourth position: Front foot goes directly in front of the back foot, with about one foot length of space between them.
- Closed fourth position: Front foot goes directly in front of the back foot, but the heel of the front foot touches the toe of the back foot.
What is the difference between fourth position in ballet and other dance styles?
Yeah, fourth position isn't just a ballet thing. It pops up in jazz, modern, ballroom too. But ballet is strict—feet always turned out, straight back, core engaged. Jazz? You might see parallel feet or a slight turn-out, and the whole stance feels more relaxed. Ballroom is different again. There, fourth position is more about a walking or stepping pattern—one foot in front of the other, but weight shifts dynamically. The real difference comes down to how much you turn out and how you align your hips and spine.
What are common mistakes in the fourth position?
When dancers first learn fourth, they mess up. A lot. And it throws off their balance and technique. Here's what usually goes wrong:
- Incorrect foot placement: Front foot too far forward or too far back. Alignment gets wrecked.
- Lack of turn-out: Not rotating from the hips, so knees point inward. Ugly and unstable.
- Uneven weight distribution: Leaning too much on one foot. You'll wobble.
- Tensing the shoulders: Shoulders go up, jaw clenches. Tension creeps into the upper body.
How does the fourth position improve dance technique?
Get good at fourth position, and everything changes. Your balance, coordination, strength—all of it improves. It's the prep step for tons of ballet moves: pirouettes, grand jetés, arabesques. Practicing it builds turn-out, core stability, proper alignment. All that stuff you need for advanced moves. Plus, it helps you transition smoothly between positions and keep control during turns and jumps. Honestly, it's foundational.
| Feature | Open Fourth | Closed Fourth |
|---|---|---|
| Foot spacing | One foot length apart | Heel touches toe |
| Stability | More stable for turns | Less stable, requires more balance |
| Common use | Transition steps, balances | Pirouettes, advanced jumps |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly | Intermediate to advanced |
Checklist for Perfecting the Fourth Position
- Ensure feet are turned out from the hips, not the knees.
- Align the heel of the front foot with the toe of the back foot.
- Keep the spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Engage the core to maintain balance.
- Distribute weight evenly between both feet.
- Practice holding the position for 30 seconds to build strength.
"The fourth position is the gateway to all turns and transitions in ballet. It teaches the dancer to find stability in movement." - Renowned ballet instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the fourth position be done in parallel feet?
Yeah, in modern and contemporary dance, you'll see fourth with parallel feet—toes forward, feet hip-width apart. It's a stylistic choice and honestly easier for beginners to pick up.
What is the fourth position in tap dance?
In tap, fourth position is similar to ballet—one foot in front of the other—but feet are usually parallel, not turned out. You'll use it for basic steps like the shuffle and flap.
How long does it take to master the fourth position?
Depends on the person. Most dancers get a decent fourth position within a few months of regular practice. But really nailing it—turn-out, balance, all that—can take one to two years of consistent training.
Is the fourth position used in hip-hop dance?
Not really a standard position in hip-hop, but dancers might use a similar stance for moves like the running man or transitions. Feet are usually parallel, and it's more dynamic and less structured than ballet.
Resumen Corto
- Definición: La cuarta posición en danza es una postura fundamental donde un pie se coloca delante del otro, con una separación específica, y se usa principalmente en ballet.
- Variaciones: Existen dos tipos: cuarta posición abierta (con un espacio entre los pies) y cerrada (con el talón tocando la punta del otro pie).
- Beneficios: Mejora el equilibrio, la coordinación, la rotación externa y la fuerza del core, siendo esencial para giros y saltos.
- Consejo clave: Mantener los pies rotados desde las caderas y distribuir el peso de manera uniforme para evitar lesiones y mejorar la técnica.