Ballet

Lore & Background

Stylistic variations include classical ballet (e.g., Russian, French, Italian, English), Romantic ballet (marked by pointe work, female dominance, and themes of spirit women), neoclassical ballet (abstract, no clear plot, often using neoclassical music), and contemporary ballet (often performed barefoot, incorporating mime and acting, and close to contemporary dance). Key figures include George Balanchine, considered a pioneer of neoclassical and contemporary ballet, and Twyla Tharp, known for innovative works melding modern movements with pointe shoes.

Reader's Guide

Ballet's significance lies in its global influence and foundational role in many other dance genres. Originating in the Italian Renaissance and flourishing in France and Russia, it established a highly technical vocabulary and training methods. The creation of the five major foot positions by Lully and Beauchamp, and the founding of the Académie Royale de Danse, standardized ballet technique. The Romantic era introduced pointe work and ethereal themes, while the twentieth century saw neoclassical and contemporary styles emerge, expanding ballet's expressive range. Companies like the Paris Opera Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet continue to perform both classical and contemporary works. Ballet's legacy includes its impact on modern dance and its evolution through diverse cultural adaptations, from Russian to English styles. The Ballets Russes revived interest in the early twentieth century, and figures like Balanchine and Tharp pushed boundaries, ensuring ballet remains a dynamic art form.

Did You Know?

• The word 'ballet' comes from the French, derived from Italian 'balletto', a diminutive of 'ballo' (dance), from Latin 'ballare', and ultimately from Greek 'βαλλίζω' (ballizo), meaning 'to dance, to jump about'.
• The first professional ballet company, the Paris Opera Ballet, arose from the Académie Royale de Musique, directed by Jean-Baptiste Lully under King Louis XIV.