Ballet

OVERVIEW

Ballet is a classical form of dance that originated in the Italian renaissance courts of the 15th century.
Ballet moved to France where it was further developed in the royal court of King Louis XIV who established the first ballet academy, the Académie Royale de Danse.
Ballet is globally recognised. Many countries, such as Russia, England, and Denmark, have developed their own distinct ballet traditions and styles.

Ballet technique is highly formalised and requires a clear understanding of the body and coordination.
Basic fundamentals include turnout (rotating legs outward at the hips), pointe work (dancing on the very tips of the toes), and ** extensive flexibility**.
Other essential aspects include vertical alignment, poise, balance, and sequenced steps, otherwise known as choreography.

Ballet is predominantly performed with the accompaniment of classical music and it typically follows a narrative.
Ballet pieces, otherwise known as ballets, can range from short dances (one-act ballets) to full-length productions (three-act ballets).
Full-length ballets often tell a story, often of a fairytale or historical event, while one-act ballets may or may not have a narrative.

Ballet roles are separated into three ranks: Principal Dancers, those who perform the leading roles; then soloists, who perform the supporting roles and the corps de ballet, who generally perform as a group.
Principal and Soloist roles often require technical virtuosity, emotional depth, and a strong sense of character.

Classic Style often includes works from the 19th and early 20th century, including notable ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.
Contemporary Style, originating in the mid-20th century to current day, pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet and incorporates techniques from modern dance.

Marius Petipa is considered the ‘father’ of modern classical ballet, having choreographed pieces such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
George Balanchine created the neoclassical style, which utilised the traditional ballet technique but stripped away its elaborate sets and costumes to emphasis the movement.
Pina Bausch was a significant figure in contemporary ballet and dance theatre, her work was known for its emotional intensity and dramatic choreography.

En Pointe: Dancing on the tips of the toes, using pointe shoes.
Pirouette: A spin or turn, executed on one foot.
Grand Jeté: Large leap from one foot to another.
Plie: A smooth bending of the knees.
Fouetté: A “whipped” turn on one foot with the raised foot doing a whipping action.