In class you will often be asked to do different types of arabesque: first arabesque, second arabesque, etc. What this means depends on what style of ballet the teacher prefers. Below are descriptions of the four arabesques used in the Vaganova method.

1. First arabesque – Stand efface. If you are facing the left corner, raise the right leg into arabesque. Your right arm extended out toward the audience, and your left arm extended forward in front of you. Look out past your left arm.

2. Second arabesque – Legs are the same as in first. Left arm is extended forward. The right arm is extended to the side in line with the shoulder. Look toward the audience

3. Third arabesque – Stand in croise. If you are facing the left corner, raise the left leg into arabesque. Your right arm extended to the side and slightly behind the shoulder, and your left arm extended forward in front of you. Look out past your left arm.

4. Fourth arabesque – Legs are the same as in third. Right arm is extended to the front and left arm is extended toward the back in line with the right arm. Look toward the audience.