Introduction to ballet
Ballet is a classical form of dance that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and later developed into a highly stylized and codified art from in France and Russia. It is characterized by graceful and precise movements, often performed to music, with a focus on storytelling, expression, and aesthetics. Ballet typically involves a combination of highly trained dancers, elaborate costumes, and intricate choreography that follows specific techniques and positions. The repertoire includes both narrative ballets that tell a story and abstract ballets that focus on pure movement and expression. Ballet has become a widely appreciated and influential art form with a rich history and a significant impact on various other dance styles.
History of ballet
Ballet’s origins can be traced back to the Italian Renaissance, where court spectacles and festivities incorporated dance as a form of entertainment. However, it was in the French courts of the 17th century that ballet began to take on a more structured and theatrical form. King Louis XIV played a pivotal role in promoting ballet as an art form, establishing the first ballet academy, Académie Royale de Danse, in 1661. Jean-Baptiste Lully, a composer, and Pierre Beauchamp, a dancer, further developed ballet techniques. The art form then spread to Russia in the 18th century, notably with the influence of French choreographer Marius Petipa, who collaborated with composers like Tchaikovsky to create iconic ballets like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.” Russian ballet companies, such as the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, played a crucial role in refining and popularizing ballet as a sophisticated and expressive art form over the centuries. The evolution of ballet as an art form has been marked by continuous innovation in choreography, technique, and storytelling, making it a global cultural phenomenon.
Key ballet terms and techniques
Ballet, with its rich vocabulary of terms and precise techniques, has a foundation built upon fundamental movements and positions. Among the key ballet terms are:
Plié: A bending of the knees, either a demi-plié (half bend) or a grand plié (full bend).
Tendu: A stretching of the foot along the floor, usually pointing the toes and extending the leg from a closed position to an open one.
Arabesque: A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg while extending the other leg behind the body, creating a straight line.
Dégagé: Similar to tendu, but with a lifted foot off the floor, emphasizing the brush through the floor to a pointed position.
Adagio: A series of slow and controlled movements that highlight a dancer’s strength and flexibility.
Jeté: A jump in which one-foot brushes off the floor and propels the body into the air, often followed by a split.
Attitude: A pose where one leg is lifted to the front, side, or back, forming a 90-degree angle with the supporting leg.
Developpé: The unfolding of the leg in a slow and controlled manner, typically to the front, side, or back.
Ballet positions
First Position: Heels together, toes turned out.
Second Position: Heels apart, toes turned out.
Third Position: One foot placed in front of the other, heel touching the arch of the opposite foot.
Fourth Position: Similar to the third, but with a slightly wider stance.
Fifth Position: Heels together with one foot positioned in front of the other, overlapping the heel.
Famous ballets
Swan Lake (1877): Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, “Swan Lake,” is a timeless ballet that tells the tale of love, magic, and tragedy. The ethereal beauty of the swan theme, combined with Tchaikovsky’s haunting score, has made it a staple in the classical ballet repertoire worldwide.
The Nutcracker (1892): A holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” highlights Tchaikovsky’s music and choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The ballet unfolds Clara’s magical Christmas Eve journey, featuring charming characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince.
The Sleeping Beauty (1890): Choreographed by Marius Petipa with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, “The Sleeping Beauty” is a grand fairy-tale ballet. Known for its opulent costumes and intricate choreography, it tells the story of Princess Aurora and her awakening from a century-long sleep.
Giselle (1841): Created by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot with music by Adolphe Adam, “Giselle” is a Romantic ballet that combines love, betrayal, and the supernatural. The hauntingly beautiful second act, featuring the Wilis, showcases the delicate and expressive nature of Romantic ballet.
Romeo and Juliet (1962): Choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan, “Romeo and Juliet” brings Shakespeare’s tragic love story to life through expressive dance and Sergei Prokofiev’s evocative score. MacMillan’s choreography captures the passion and intensity of the iconic characters.
Influential choreographers
Marius Petipa (1818–1910): Regarded as the “Father of Classical Ballet,” Marius Petipa’s contributions include choreographing classics like “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” His emphasis on technique, symmetry, and storytelling laid the foundation for classical ballet.
George Balanchine (1904–1983): Co-founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine revolutionized ballet in the 20th century. His neoclassical style, characterized by speed, precision, and musicality, is evident in works like “The Four Temperaments” and “Apollo,” influencing generations of dancers and choreographers.
Michel Fokine (1880–1942): A key figure in the Ballets Russes, Fokine was known for breaking away from the conventions of classical ballet. His works, such as “Les Sylphides” and “The Firebird,” emphasized expressiveness, innovation in choreography, and a departure from rigid balletic traditions.
Jerome Robbins (1918–1998): Renowned for his versatility, Robbins made significant contributions to both ballet and Broadway. Choreographing classics like “West Side Story” and ballets such as “Dances at a Gathering,” Robbins showcased a unique blend of storytelling and innovative movement.
Sir Frederick Ashton (1904–1988): A prominent choreographer with the Royal Ballet, Ashton created ballets known for their lyricism and charm. Classics like “Cinderella” and “La Fille mal gardée” highlight his ability to convey emotion through movement, solidifying his legacy in the ballet world.
Renowned ballet companies
The Royal Ballet (United Kingdom): Based at the Royal Opera House in London, The Royal Ballet is one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies. With a rich history and a repertoire that includes classical and contemporary works, it has produced legendary dancers and choreographers.
Bolshoi Ballet (Russia): The Bolshoi Ballet, based in Moscow, is one of the oldest and most celebrated ballet companies globally. Known for its grand productions and emphasis on classical repertoire, the Bolshoi Ballet has played a significant role in shaping the history of ballet.
New York City Ballet (USA): Founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the New York City Ballet is a prominent American ballet company. Renowned for its neoclassical style and Balanchine’s innovative choreography, it has been a driving force in the development of ballet in the United States.
Paris Opera Ballet (France): Established in 1669, the Paris Opera Ballet is one of the oldest ballet companies in the world. Housed at the Palais Garnier, it has been a bastion of classical ballet, nurturing many influential dancers and choreographers throughout its history.
Mariinsky Ballet (Russia): Based in St. Petersburg, the Mariinsky Ballet, formerly known as the Kirov Ballet, is renowned for its classical ballet tradition. The company has been a cornerstone of Russian ballet, producing iconic dancers and staging timeless classics.
Prestigious ballet schools and academies
The Royal Ballet School (United Kingdom): Affiliated with The Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet School in London is a leading institution for ballet training. It has produced numerous world-class dancers who have gone on to join major ballet companies worldwide.
Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet (Russia): Located in St. Petersburg, the Vaganova Academy has a distinguished history and is known for its rigorous training in the Vaganova method. Many renowned ballet dancers, including graduates of the Mariinsky Ballet, have trained at this prestigious academy.
Paris Opera Ballet School (France): Linked to the Paris Opera Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet School is known for its exceptional training programs. It follows the French School of Ballet, and its graduates often join the Paris Opera Ballet or other esteemed companies.
School of American Ballet (USA): Founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the School of American Ballet is the official school of the New York City Ballet. It has played a crucial role in shaping the American ballet landscape, emphasizing Balanchine’s neoclassical style.
National Ballet School of Canada (Canada): Located in Toronto, the National Ballet School of Canada is recognized for its comprehensive ballet training. It serves as a feeder school for the National Ballet of Canada and other major ballet companies globally.
Pointe shoes
Pointe shoes are a crucial element in classical ballet, enabling dancers to perform on their toes and create an illusion of weightlessness, grace, and ethereal beauty. These specialized shoes have a reinforced toe box, typically made of layers of fabric, paper, and glue, allowing dancers to support their body weight on the tips of their toes. The shank, a rigid sole inserted into the shoe, provides additional support, while the satin exterior maintains a visually pleasing appearance. Pointe work requires extensive training and strength, particularly in the ankles and feet, as dancers execute intricate movements, pirouettes, and balances. The use of pointe shoes is iconic in classical ballet, contributing to the art form’s aesthetic and showcasing the skill and dedication of the dancers who master this challenging technique.