What is the history of ballet?

Ballet can trace its roots to the 15th century Italian court where people would become involved in these elaborate dances complete with court manners, lavishly stylized clothing and precise movements. The form of ballet as is known now was not the same as it was then. It was not until the movement set in motion by King Louis XIV to revive the flagging dance work and make it into the graceful movements and five essential steps that classical ballet has today. It was through his efforts that the Paris Opera Ballet was conceived and nurtured. Today’s ballet is found in three different forms: classical, neoclassical and modern.

What are some famous examples of ballet?

This is a two-fold question. There are famous acts of ballet and there are famous individuals who have danced throughout the years. Some of the most famous performances have been: Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. Famous dancers have included Mikhail Baryshnikov and Twyla Harp both of whom are famous for their contemporary styles of dance. Some important pioneers in this highly stylized and technical dancing method have included Marie Taglioni, Galina Ulanova and Natalya Dudinskya. Each and every prima ballerina down to the stage hands have helped elevate this once courtly dance into the fantastic art form it is today.

What are a few ballet terms I should become familiar with?

There are some key terms that refer to the actual movements of the dance that you should become familiar with. The Arabesque is the movement where the hind leg is extended and the dancer leans forward over the load bearing leg. This is a classical movement that is practiced in the different forms of ballet. Attitude is the dance movement most associated with the pointe which is when the ballerina stands on her toes and keeps the other leg up and curved around for flexibility and stability. The Grand jetè is the long jumps that begin on one leg and end on the other leg. There is an entire alphabet of terms used in ballet that each dancer must come to know along with the positions of the dance. These are just a few of the many terms that you will hear used with this form of dance.

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