Which term indicates moving to the second position?

• A. Dessous
• B. À la Seconde
• C. Dessus
• D. À la Quatrième derrière

Answer: (B)

Moving to the second position is indicated by the term à la seconde. In ballet, second position means the feet are turned out and placed apart, roughly shoulder-width, with the legs aligned to the sides. This term is used to cue that exact alignment and is commonly heard when transitioning into a tendu, a plié in seconde, or stepping into place. The other terms describe different ideas: dessous and dessus refer to under and over, often used for arm placements or movement depth rather than a specific foot position; et à la Quatrième derrière points to the fourth position behind, which is a different configuration altogether. So à la seconde is the precise label for moving into the second position.