What are the five basic positions of the feet in Cecchetti and what is the general turnout rule?

• A. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th; turnout comes from the hip joints, with knees and toes tracking along the same line and the pelvis level.
• B. First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth; turnout comes from the ankles.
• C. Positions One through Five; turnout from the hips but knees and toes not aligned.
• D. There are four basic positions; turnout from the knees.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how turnout is produced and how the feet are positioned in Cecchetti. In Cecchetti you work with five foot positions, simply named first through fifth. The key rule is that turnout comes from the hip joints—the thighs rotate outward from the hips, not from the knees or ankles. When turnout is coming from the hips, the knees and toes should point along the same straight line, and the pelvis should stay level. This alignment gives clean, stable lines and protects the joints as you move through the positions. If turnout were coming from the ankles or if the knees weren’t aligned with the toes, the leg could twist or collapse, compromising balance and safety.