Position

Ballet dancer

Also known as standing leg-updancerone leg raised

The Ballet dancer is a standing, face-to-face position where the receiving partner raises one leg — wrapped around or held by the other — for an intimate, athletic upright angle.

The gist

Standing and face-to-face, the receiving partner lifts one leg for the other to hold or for it to wrap around the waist. It keeps the intimacy of standing while opening the angle, and leaning against a wall makes the balance far easier to manage.

Step by step

  1. Both partners stand facing each other, ideally near a wall.

  2. The receiving partner raises one leg; the other holds it at the thigh or knee.

  3. Lean the standing partner against the wall for balance.

  4. Keep the raised leg supported and find a controlled rhythm.

Tips

  • A wall behind the receiving partner makes the balance dramatically easier.
  • Flexibility varies — only raise the leg as high as feels easy, never forced.

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