How to Do Ballet at Home

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Ballet is a beautiful art form to use for self-expression or to stay fit. While taking a dance class is the best way to learn ballet, you can do basic ballet moves at home if you can't take classes or if you just want extra practice. Before you dance, warm up and stretch so your body is ready. Then, learn the 5 positions in ballet and practice basic ballet moves until you master them. When you're ready, build on your technique by following tutorials, doing video lessons, or attending a class.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Warming Up and Stretching

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  1. Make sure you have room to bend, leap, and move across the floor without bumping into anything. Remove any items that might impede your movement, like a coffee table or items on the floor. If your room doesn't have a ballet barre, use the back of a sturdy chair for support when you need it. [1]

    Tip: If you're passionate about ballet, install a ballet barre on the wall of your room. This will make it much easier to practice.

  2. Don't do ballet on hard surfaces like concrete unless you put down a mat. Jumping on a hard floor can damage your joints, including your knees. Use an exercise mat or rug to cover hard flooring. Alternatively, do ballet in a room that's carpeted. [2]
    • You can find rubber mats that are made for ballet online.
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  3. Warm up your body by doing 5 minutes of low-impact cardio. Your muscles need to be warm before you do ballet to help you avoid injury. [3] To quickly warm up, walk or jog in place for about 5 minutes. If you like, finish your warm-up with a series of squats , lunges , and jumping jacks . [4]
    • Make sure you warm up before you stretch because stretching cold muscles increases your risk of injury.
  4. Stretch your muscles after you're warmed up. [5] Once your body's warmed up, stretch your muscles so they're ready for your ballet moves. Here are some stretches to try: [6]
    • Do a forward bend: Stand up straight with your feet together and your toes pointing forward. Hinge forward at your waist and reach down to the floor. Go down as far as you can and try to touch the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.
    • Do a wide-leg stretch: Sit on the floor and spread your legs out in a “V.” Point your toes up into the air. Lean forward and reach between your legs as far as you can. Hold for 30 seconds.
    • Stretch your quads: Your quads are the front of your thighs. Stand up straight with your legs together and hold onto a chair for support. Lift 1 leg behind you and grasp the top of your foot with your hand. Pull your foot into your butt. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Practicing the 5 Positions in Ballet

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  1. [7] Stand up straight with your legs together and your heels touching. Turn your toes so they point outwards in a “V.” Then, lift your arms in front of you to make an oval. Your fingers shouldn't be touching. [8]
    • Point your toes out as far as you can. At first, you might only be able to make a narrow "V." However, you'll become more flexible over time and may eventually be able to turn your toes out.
  2. Stand tall with your legs spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Point your toes outward away from your body. Spread your arms out at your sides, keeping them grounded and at about shoulder height. [9]
    • Like with the first position, only turn your toes out as far as you comfortably can.
  3. Stand up straight and cross your right leg over your left with the heel of your right foot in front of your left arch. Then, curve your right arm toward your body while keeping your left arm out to the side. Alternatively, cross your left leg over your right and curve your left arm. [10]
    • You can do the third position with either your right arm and leg or your left arm and leg.
    • You might put your arms into the third position as you perform leaps and jumps.
  4. For an open 4th position, place 1 foot 12 in (30 cm) in front of the other with your heels aligned and your toes pointed out. Lift the corresponding arm over your head with your arm curved. For a closed 4th position, cross 1 leg over the other and align your front heel with your back toes. Then, lift your arm over your head, keeping your arm curved. [11]
    • Sometimes you may put your arms into the fourth position during leaps and jumps.
  5. Place 1 foot in front of the other with your toes pointed out. Close your feet together with your front toe in line with your back heel and your back heel in line with your front heel. Then, lift your arms gracefully over your head, keeping them curved. This position is difficult so don't attempt it until you're flexible enough to do it. [12]
    • Like with the other positions, you may do leaps and jumps with your arms in the 5th position. It's okay to put your arms in the 5th position when you're just a beginner. It's the footwork that's challenging.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Doing Beginner Ballet Moves

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  1. Do demi pliés in first position. [13] Get into the first position by standing with your legs together and your toes pointed out. Lift your arms out in front of you and form them into an oval. Bend your knees and slowly lower your body down toward the ground, keeping your heels flat on the floor. Squeeze your muscles in as you come back up. This is called a demi plié. [14]
    • In French demi means half. So, with a demi-pliè, you will only go a quarter to a half of the way down depending on the style of ballet.
    • Pliés are pronounced as Plea-AE.
    • You can hold onto a ballet barre or the back of a chair for support if you need it.
    • Always start with lightly placing a hand on something to help stabilize you. At home, your makeshift barre should be slightly above elbow height. Remember the barre is only there to help if and when needed. Try not to become dependent on the barre for balance. Work on finding your balance by going through the moves slowly pausing in each one until you feel you have a stable connection to the ground then slowly move to your next position or move. Doing this will help when you advance. And move to center work.
    • After you can do a demi plié, move on to the grande pliés. It's the same move, except that you lift your heels off the floor.
    • This is similar to a squat but you have your heels together and your toes pointed out.

    Variation: Once you master the plié in the first position, try it in the second position. Each time you perfect your form, try the plié in the next position.

  2. Stand up tall with your heels together and your toes pointed out. Push your foot against the floor as you slide it out to the front, side, or back. Lift your heel to point your toe. Then, slowly lower your foot from the point down to the floor and drag your foot across the floor back to the first position. [15]
    • Tendues are pronounced Ton-DUE. (Like fondue but with a T)
    • After you master the first position, try tendues in the other positions. (work on tendue from all 5 positions this is a good warm-up for your legs at the barre)
    • You can use a tendue to transition from the first to the second position. Do a tendue to the side, then lower your foot to the floor instead of bringing it back in.
  3. Stand tall with your heels together and your toes pointed out. Slowly lift your heels off the ground as high as you can. Pause for 2-3 seconds, then slowly lower your heels back to the floor. [16]
    • Releve is pronounced, “rel uh VEY.”
    • After you master relieves in the first position, try them in the other positions, as well.
  4. Do a demi plié in the first position with your core engaged and your upper body lifted. Then, spring off the ground and land in a demi plié. As you jump, lift your feet heel to toe, then land by putting your feet down toe to heel. [17]
    • Typically, you'll do sets of 4, 6, or 8 sautés. Pay attention to your form so that each sauté is performed correctly. [18]
    • Once you master this, practice doing it in the second position.
  5. Start in the first position with your heels together, your toes pointed out, and your arms curved into an oval out in front of you. Do a demi plié, then leap off of the floor in a sauté. Open your legs and land in the second position with your legs spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your arms spread out at your sides. [19]
    • An échappé is pronounced A-sha-PAY.
    • Do several jumps shifting from first to second, then second to first.
    • You can also do an échappé to shift from the fifth to the second position.
  6. Perform grand jetés to add leaps. Grand jetés are leaps where you extend 1 leg in front of your body and 1 leg behind your body. Place your arms in the fourth or fifth position. Take a small hop forward with 1 leg, then leap into the air to do your grand jeté. Split your legs and extend them out straight with your toes pointed. [20]
    • Jeté is pronounced Zha-TAE.
    • Jump as high as you can without overexerting your body or bending your knees. With practice, you'll be able to jump higher and spread your legs further.
  7. A grand battement is a kick with a pointed toe and straight leg, which you can do to the front, side, or back. Put your arms in the second position. Brush your foot across the floor, then lift it into a kick. Lift your kick as high as you can, pointing your toe. Keep your standing leg straight as you kick. [21]
    • Grand battement is pronounced GROND Bot-MAH.
    • When you're doing a grand battement to the back, lean forward slightly but don't bend at your waist.
    • Try to lift your leg at least 90 degrees off the ground, but don't push yourself further than your range of motion can go. As you practice, you'll be able to lift your leg further off the ground.
    • You can do grand battements with your arms in other positions as you get better at the ballet.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Advancing Your Technique

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  1. If you can't afford lessons, video tutorials are a great alternative. While they're not as helpful as learning from a teacher, tutorials can teach you basic ballet if you practice several days a week. Look for tutorials for moves you want to try, then follow along carefully. [22]
    • Subscribe to ballet channels that you find helpful.
    • Keep in mind that you'll likely need lessons if you want to become an advanced dancer. However, video tutorials are a great way to start and can help you enjoy ballet as a hobby.
  2. Video lessons are available on DVD or streaming sites. These lessons are taught by professional teachers, so they can teach you advanced moves. It won't be the same as working one-on-one with an instructor, but these lessons will help you develop your dancing technique. [23]
    • Look for video workouts online. Watch a preview of the workout before you buy it to see if you can follow the instructions.
    • Pick a video that's at your level. If you're a beginner, look for a step-by-step video to help you learn.
  3. [24] Attending classes with an instructor allows you to get feedback on your form so you can make improvements. Additionally, you'll learn ballet faster and safely proceed to more advanced moves. Attending classes will also allow you to learn choreography and perform in front of an audience. Look for classes in your area by searching online. [25]
    • If you've been practicing at home and can't afford classes, ask the school if they have a scholarship or internship program. You may be able to earn a scholarship if you show talent and dedication, or you might be able to get a class discount if you help out around the studio.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What kind of exercises should I do to warm up?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    It's really important that you always warm up before you dance. I recommend doing demi plies, to the ground plies, and also warming up your hips. Try a hip swing, which involves standing on one foot and just swinging the other leg forward and back. I recommend really concentrating on warming up your hips.
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  • Question
    What is the first thing I should learn in ballet?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    The first of the five basic positions is called first position. This position involves the dancer standing with their feet together so their heels are touching. When in this position, your arms should be positioned at your waist, approximately at the height of your waistband with your hands apart by about the length of your face.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Can I start ballet if I am 14, I'm not flexible and don't take lessons? How do I get flexible?
    Community Answer
    You can start at any age. Lessons are not vital, but are useful and if, you are able to, you should take them. To become flexible, make sure to stretch every day.
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      Tips

      • Listen to your body and respect its limits. It's okay if you can't jump high or point your toes out. You'll get better with practice!
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      • Get someone experienced and good at ballet to watch you. They can give you feedback on how to improve.
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        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
      • Ballet at home can be suitable for dancers who are only looking for the basic technique, but it can't make up for real classes. Having a teacher to correct you is crucial if you're planning on getting serious about dance.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Never dance on pointe without having first gone to a professional dance instructor. It’s a difficult technique and you can hurt yourself.
      • If you don't have ballet slippers and your bare feet are sticking to the floor, put some baby powder on your feet.
      • Stretch every morning, even if you’re not going to dance after.
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      Warnings

      • Don't try to dance pointe unless you're working with an instructor. You can injure yourself if you try it on your own.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      2. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      3. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      4. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      5. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      6. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      7. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      8. ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/ballet-for-beginners-1
      9. ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/ballet-for-beginners-1
      1. ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/ballet-for-beginners-1
      2. ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/ballet-for-beginners-1
      3. ↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/ballet-for-beginners-1
      4. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8GDpzZcC9Y&feature=youtu.be&t=857
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8GDpzZcC9Y&feature=youtu.be&t=1185
      7. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2AVaa2ZSDo&feature=youtu.be&t=38
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LSmFElZvQI
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWW2_W21wGQ&feature=youtu.be&t=221
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKWBPKIxK5M&feature=youtu.be&t=24
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgKXn1Evj-o&feature=youtu.be&t=26
      13. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      14. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html
      15. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      16. ↑ https://ourpastimes.com/how-to-train-to-be-a-ballerina-at-home-12608152.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to do ballet at home, make sure to find a room with soft floors and lots of space for you to move around. Since you probably won’t have a barre like a typical ballet studio, use a couch or chair to support your weight. Before you start dancing, warm-up and stretch so you don’t hurt yourself. When you’re ready, throw on some upbeat music and do some basic pliés by holding onto your barre and bending your knees into a squat. From that position, you can spring off the ground to do a short jump, or sauté, and land in the plié position again. For more tips, like how to develop a dance routine, read on!

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