No discussion of classical ballet principles is complete without memorizing the geography of the feet. Every movement begins or ends in one of these five positions.
Sit on the floor with legs extended. Roll your legs inward (parallel), then outward (turnout). If your knees bend or pop, you are forcing the turn. Only rotate as far as you can while keeping the kneecaps pointing in the exact same direction as the toes.
If you are looking for a resource on the basic principles of classical ballet, you are likely seeking a reference that covers the following core pillars.
Ballet dancers never "sit back" on their heels. Nor do they claw into the floor with their toes.
The basic principles of classical ballet are intentionally difficult. They require you to move in ways the modern sedentary body does not want to move. You will feel clumsy. You will feel weak. That is correct.
Ballet is an "in-class" discipline, but the basic principles can be trained anywhere.
