Which aspect distinguishes the Fourth Aerial Position from the Fourth Position?

The Fourth Aerial Position is characterized by the height to which the working leg is raised compared to the Fourth Position. In the Fourth Aerial Position, the working leg is elevated higher than in the Fourth Position, where the leg remains closer to the ground. This elevation creates a visually striking pose that is important in Scottish Highland Dance, as it showcases the dancer's strength, flexibility, and technique. Achieving this height requires a significant amount of control and can influence the performance quality, making the aerial aspect a fundamental distinction between these two positions.

While the position of the feet, angle, and weight distribution are all important elements of dance, they do not specifically differentiate these two positions in the same way that the height of the working leg does. In both positions, the feet typically maintain a specific orientation and stance, and the weight distribution may remain relatively consistent, focusing on the leg elevation as the key distinguishing factor.