Position of the arms in ballet

There are two basic positions of the arms in ballet. In one, the dancer keeps the fingers of both arms almost touching to form an oval shape, either almost touching the hips, or at navel level, or raised above the dancer's head. In the other, the arms are extended to the sides with the elbows slightly bent. These positions may be combined to give other positions. Names differ according to the school/method followed, such as Vaganova, French, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Cecchetti, etcof the arms; the corresponding allongés positions are obtained by stretching the elbows and rotating the palms of the hands downwards.