History Of Ballet Essay

Contemporary ballet, although is a form of ballet but looks vastly different from classical and romantic ballet. Contemporary ballet consist of ballet and contemporary dance, and the dance often includes having a partner. Contemporary ballet is often done in a turned in position while classical ballet is done in a turned out position. A turned out position would be the first position in ballet where the dancer’s feet are usually pointing outwards. Like modern dances in the 20th century, contemporary ballet often hints a message to the audience. Alonzo King, a local San Francisco dance company owner inspired many choreographer with his choreography by having a perfect blend of traditional and modern dances in his piece. His choreography often contain a strong, controversial meaning. “The Moroccan Project”, choreographer Alonzo King suggests the message of love and inequality, using their trademark moves: spinning and elevating, in the contemporary modern dance style.

The first experience of watching a ballet, for me or any little girl, can be fascinating and exhilarating. Wondering how a dancer can be so steady on her toes as she spins in circles and leaps through the air. Watching a ballet, there is a feeling of wanting to be graceful, as well as the warm sensation felt by a little girl as she slips into dream land. My mom had taken me to my first ballet when I was 11 years old. When we returned home home, she signed me up for classes at the local dance center. The expectations to become a prima ballerina would involve much hard work and concentration. I knew when I started it would take years of steady practice and commitment. Learning the history of ballet and the famous

Ballet is one of the world's oldest and newest forms of dance. One man that created new audiences for ballet and mastered the dance to its fullest was none other than George Balanchine. He brought the standard ballet to levels no one has ever seen before. In the world of dance, there have been many wonderful and talented choreographers but Balanchine's work affected the dance world so much that he was a legend long before his death. Not only was he legendary worldwide but also his influenced American Ballet. George Balanchine's unique style of dance created the "American style" of Ballet.

Ballet is a beautiful and romantic type of performance art. It originated in the Italian court systems in the 15th century (Jonas). Since its origination, ballet has undergone many changes and gained worldwide recognition. Filled with elaborate costumes, cheering audiences, lights, weightless movements and beauty; ballet is admired by many. On the magical stage ballerinas can become whoever they wan to be, and perform in a world of fantasy. For these reasons, children, especially little girls, all over the world dream of becoming ballerinas when they grow up. However, becoming a professional ballerina is an extremely difficult accomplishment, in which few will achieve (Kelso 1). The world of ballet may seem to be filled with glitz and

As world has changed over the last century or so, the ballet world has been changing with it. There are many people who have helped shape that change. The changes in style were mainly influenced by George Balanchine. George Balanchine, a Russian choreographer and ballet dancer, also known as the father of American ballet, was the man who was said to have changed the style of ballet forever. Along with these changes in style came changes in visual design elements, inspirational figures, and changes in what the ballets themselves tend to rely on. Many of the features given to ballet in Russia in the 15th and 16th century still remain to this day, but many features have been altered to fit . Let’s take a closer look at what features truly

Ballet is one of the most beautiful, graceful dances known to the dancing world. From the tutu to the pointe shoes the need to see the expression of the steps given. Being able to see how the illusion of a flying princess is one of the most mysteries that come with a ballet show. The history of Ballet has evolved into one of the most well-known type of dances in the world this is from only the men having roles in the ballet to women being able to express emotion.

Ballet is the art form that generated the movement by human body. It is theatrical which performed on a stage with elaborate costume, scenic design and lighting. Ballet can tell a story, thought and emotion through the dance. In addition, ballet can be charmed, exiting or provoking.

Who is credited with identifying the five positions of the feet upon which all ballet steps are based, systematizing the method of teaching dance, and devising a system of dance notation?

To prove everyone wrong, an interest was sparked in supporting ballet to show the world that American artists are just as competence as its foreign competitors. Unlike the Russians who have already established their mark in the ballet world, Americans were not commonly associated as talented ballet dancers. Thus, in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower set aside $2,250,00 to fund dance, theatre, music, and sports tours to showcase American talents around the world. One of the funded dance tours was a ballet tour by New York City Ballet’s in Western Europe and the Soviet Union in 1962 (Croft, p. 425). New York City Ballet was a company founded by Balanchine and Kristen so their ballet performances reflected the innovation style of American ballet while maintaining its classical grace. Before their tour in the Soviet Union, the dancers were prepared for criticism and even booing during the performance due to the tensions between the two countries. However, all political differences were pushed aside, as “three thousand Soviet ballet fans rose to their feet to celebrate

Ballet is an interesting thing, but have you ever thought about how it started or why. Did you know at first that women were not a big part of ballet. Ballet was a big thing for men not women. Learn more about this exciting journey through time

Classical Ballet is the epitome of class and sophistication, it is known for its meticulous techniques

Ballet began to show whole histories of metaphorical or historical situations that were mostly aimed to the cultural elite. You can see how ballet still maintains its historical roots elements related to showing off socioeconomic status, because of the rigidity of the moves and the uniqueness of the dancers. Ballet dancers are only a small portion of population, and one that in general has the privilege to decide to pursue this career because it haves the necessary economical and cultural conditions. Not everyone can be a ballet

With emphasis on movement and method, Classical ballet also focuses on the five positions of ballet and emphasizes the turn out of the legs. The emphasis on technique is universal throughout Classical ballets; in addition, Fokine created five principles to follow. First, the choreography should not be pre-made, but instead be created for each new instance. Second, mimetic gestures must have a purpose within the ballet and must not be used for pure divertissement. Third, the dancer should be expressive from head to toe. Fourth, the entire stage of dancers should be expressive. Fifth, dance must have an alliance with the other arts and not be a slave to one specific form. For example, there is no specific style of music to use; instead, dance should be free to pair with any type of music. The five rules can be found in more detail in Jack Anderson’s book, Ballet & Modern Dance a Concise History on pages 134-135. The importance of full expression and the inclusion of other arts within the ballets are key to the intentions of Classical

Today’s ballets are nothing like what they were at first. Ballet has changed over time. A great deal of Ballet dances, at Ballet’s beginning were based off of court dances. Court dances were social dances performed in court, usually between a man and woman. They are also known as ballroom dances. Ballet has grown from being a court dance for the nobles to a sophisticated complex art many can enjoy watching or dancing it.

Ballet came to America because of the flare up of World War I. War conducted Russian experts into America, where these Russians first thought to expound secretly or act on tours. World War II also caused ballet artists to come to America. This happened in the 1961 when a bystander named Rudolf Nureyev who was in Paris airport, accompanied by Natalia Makarova's from London, that lead America to some of the highest of quality classically taught artistic dancers. These specific dancers aspired to obtain from the jurisdiction of