Ballet Dance

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Ballet, literally meaning ‘dance’ from the Latin word ‘ballare,’ interprets music and expresses emotion through a variety of accepted, highly technical movements. The birth of ballet occurred during the Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th century, and developed in the French courts in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, ballet became highly popularized by French King Louis XIV (1643-1715), whose nickname “The Sun King” originated from a role he performed in a ballet. During Louis XIV’s rule, ballet became more technical, with the five positions of the feet categorized by French choreographer Pierre Beauchamp. Additionally, ballets began to incorporate story lines expressed through choreography, notably seen in French playwright Moliere’s Comedie-Ballet.

Ballet encompasses three major genres developed sequentially: classical ballet, neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet. The most formal of the styles, classical ballet strictly adheres to ballet technique, and is further delineated into Russian, French, and Italian ballet. Each method relies on the same repertoire of movements, which are executed with distinct regional styles. For example, Russian classical ballet is known for unique positioning of the hands – either flowing easily between movements in the Russian Cecchetti style, or delaying movement until after a step to add dramatic attention to the hands, as seen in the Vaganova Russian style. Each genre also has distinct rules for the direction of head placement, arm positions, arabesques, and certain dance steps.

Like classical Ballet, neoclassical ballet relies on traditional ballet technique and steps; however the movements are more expansive and expressive than classical ballet permits. Choreography draws on faster and slower tempos and promotes more athletic, unconventional movements than its predecessor. Additionally, spacing in neoclassical ballet tends to be more diverse and complex than the traditional spacing in classical ballet. Russian-born, but American-based, choreographer George Balanchine developed the neoclassical style. He disregarded the extravagant plots and costumes of classical ballet and combined the use of pointe-shoes and advanced Russian technique with austere and modern choreography. Balanchine also created the bridge from the neoclassical style to the contemporary style when he invited modern dancers and choreographers – most notably Paul Tayler and Martha Graham – to dance in his company, The New York City Ballet.

Originator:
Choreographers such Pierre Beauchamp in the French Courts

Region of origin:
Italian Renaissance and 16th-18th century French Courts

Popularized by:
Catherine de' Medici, Louis XIV