Ballet Foundations Lesson Plan Ballet Foundations
Teacher Lesson Plan • Grade 2
30 Minutes
Learning Objective
"Students will learn and demonstrate the five basic ballet positions of the feet and simple movements including plié, relevé, and sauté."
Why it Matters
Ballet fosters grace, discipline, and motor skills. It provides a foundation for physical fitness while encouraging artistic expression in a structured environment.
Materials Needed
Open space for movement
Music player & ballet music
Ballet Position Cards
Ballet Basics Slide Deck
Prep
Ensure the floor is clear of obstacles. Queue up a selection of classical piano music (various tempos: slow for pliés, fast for jumping).
Instructional Flow
5 min
Introduction to the Barre
Welcome students. Explain that ballet is a story told through movement. It requires strong muscles and great focus. Show the **Ballet Position Cards** to give a preview of what they will learn.
5 min
Gentle Warm-Up
Lead students through stretches:
Reach for the ceiling, then toes.
Shoulder rolls and neck stretches.
Gentle marching in place to the rhythm of the music.
10 min
Positions & Movement
Teacher Demonstration:
Demonstrate the 5 foot positions using the cards as reference. Then introduce:
Plié
To bend
Relevé
To rise
Sauté
To jump
7 min
The Mini Performance
Combine movements into a sequence: 1st Position → Plié → Relevé → 2nd Position → Sauté! Guide students through this sequence 4-5 times, increasing flow each time.
3 min
Cool Down & Reflection
Lower the music volume. Do a seated butterfly stretch. Ask: "Which position felt the strongest?" or "What was your favorite movement?"
Ballet Position Cards Worksheet Ballet Position Cards
Cut along the dashed lines to create your flashcards!
1
First Position
Heels together, toes turned out to the sides.
"Like a slice of pizza!"
2
Second Position
Feet apart, wider than your hips, toes turned out.
"Strong and wide!"
3
Third Position
One foot in front of the other, heel to the middle (arch) of the back foot.
"Halfway there!"
4
Fourth Position
One foot in front of the other, with a space between them.
"Step forward!"
5
Fifth Position
One foot in front of the other, heel to toe. They fit like a puzzle!
"Toe to heel!"
Ballet Basics
Plié To bend
Relevé To rise
Sauté To jump
Ballet Basics Slides Tiny Dancers
Ballet Foundations
What is Ballet?
Expression
Telling stories with our bodies.
Discipline
Focus and strong muscles.
Grace
Moving smoothly and beautifully.
"Ballet is like dreaming on your feet."
First Position
01
"The Pizza Slice"
Keep your heels together.
Turn your toes out to the sides.
Try it now! Stand tall like a prince or princess.
Second Position
02
Step your feet apart.
Keep them wider than your shoulders.
Don't forget to keep your toes turned out!
"Wide & Strong"
Movement Magic
Plié
"To bend"
Bend your knees
Relevé
"To rise"
On your tippy-toes
Sauté
"To jump"
Fly in the air
Let's Perform!
1
First Position
2
Plié
3
Relevé
4
Second Position
5
Sauté!
"Eyes up, chin out, and smile!"
Beautiful Work!
Take a deep breath and a big bow.
Questions?
Which position was your favorite today?
