In the Correct Sequence of Eight Body Positions, which is the fifth position?

In the Correct Sequence of Eight Body Positions, which is the fifth position?

• A. Croisé Devant
• B. À La Quatrième Devant
• C. À La Second
• D. Épaulé

Answer: (C)

In this sequence, the eight basic body positions are named by how the dancer faces and where the feet are, so the order moves from more turned toward the front to progressively more open to the side. The fifth position is the side-facing stance, where the body line runs to the side and the feet are in second position. That side-on orientation is what the term à la seconde describes, making it the fifth position in the standard Cecchetti order. The other terms refer to positions that are either more turned toward the front or more turned toward the back, or to a shoulder-aligned pose, which places them outside the fifth position.

In this sequence, the eight basic body positions are named by how the dancer faces and where the feet are, so the order moves from more turned toward the front to progressively more open to the side. The fifth position is the side-facing stance, where the body line runs to the side and the feet are in second position. That side-on orientation is what the term à la seconde describes, making it the fifth position in the standard Cecchetti order. The other terms refer to positions that are either more turned toward the front or more turned toward the back, or to a shoulder-aligned pose, which places them outside the fifth position.