They are many different techniques in Ballet

instruction. They all have slightly different

names for the same positions.

The positions you see here are the most

commonly seen in generic classical ballet
instruction.

These are your French Technique arm positions.

Prep position may also be called En Bas.

Ballet Basics
Arm Positions and Pathways
Port De Bras is the pathway that arms move
through to get to each position.

General they move on a circular path from above

the head, to an open position on the sides of the
shoulders (like a wide hug), and down in a
rounded shape, and then reverse.

They can also move down the center line from

above the head, to straight out from the chest and
down and then reverse.

They arms do not have to move symmetrically,

although they can; they can take the pathways
separately to create an efficient and flowing
transition.