It is a mistake to suppose that the beginner, by learning the two or three steps necessary for the waltz or two-step, can dance correctly. There is a beginning in dancing, as in everything else, and the first thing to learn is how to stand properly.

This seems absurdly simple at first thought, but, as a matter of fact, comparatively few persons possess the secret. Either the arms get in the way, or the legs are awkwardly bent, or the body is too rigid.

The correct standing position is as follows:

Stand with the heels close together, toes pointing outward. Now sway the entire body forward a little, so as to bring the weight on the balls of the feet. The heels should just touch the floor, but the weight should all be forward. Allow the arms to swing freely from the shoulder; in fact, forget that you have arms for the time being. This position is the key to the various steps that are to follow.

Having learned how to stand correctly, we are now ready to study what are known as “the five positions.” These positions embrace the various steps used in all dances, and must be mastered.

The First Position.

“The first position,” so called, is in reality the standing position just described, and when practicing the subsequent positions, it is essential that the student always begin with this. Remember that all-important detail: weight forward, heels just touching the floor. (See Fig. 1.)

The Second Position.

In the second position we change the V-shape of the feet by sliding the right foot to the side, in a line with the body, bending the left knee slightly. The weight will, of course, be transferred to the left foot. (See Fig. 2.)

Repeat this movement by sliding the left foot sideways, transferring the weight to the right foot.

The Third Position.

Again taking the standing position, with toes pointing outward, the right foot is swung in a small circle to the right and brought behind the left foot, the hollow of the right foot pressing close against the heel of the left foot. At the beginning of this movement the weight is thrown on the ball of the left foot.

Repeat by transferring the weight to the right foot, and swinging the left foot to the rear. (See Fig. 3.)

The Fourth Position.

In the fourth position, throw the weight on the left foot and slide the right foot forward and a little to the side. At the end of the slide, the right foot should be in a direct line with the hollow of the left foot, so that if brought back it should fit into the hollow, as in the third position. This, however, is only to test the accuracy of the step. After the slide, the foot should be returned to standing position and the movement repeated with the other foot. (See Fig. 4.)

Instead of sliding, the foot can be raised from the floor and placed in the position indicated. In this case, remember to keep the toe well pointed downward, and do not raise the foot farther from the floor than is necessary.

There is a variation of this position which will be found useful in two-step and half-time dancing. This is to slide the right foot to the rear and slightly outward after completing the forward movement.

The Fifth Position.

Standing with the heels together, allow the weight to fall on the ball of the left foot, and move the right foot forward until the heel of that foot is at the side of the toe of the other foot. The feet should form a right angle. (See Fig. 5.)

Repeat with the left foot, transferring the weight to the right foot.

These positions are very important and should be practiced until they can be performed with perfect ease. They can be alternated at will. For instance, the fifth position may follow the first, and so on.