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Romantic Ballet Vs Classical Ballet

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Dance critic Théophile Gautier states, “Nothing resembles a dream more than a ballet...” (Anderson 77). The effortless technique of the ballerina paints most ballets as exactly this. Consequently, there is more to a ballet than technique and dancing. Different types of ballets and their structural components separate one ballet from the next. It is important to understand the difference between the two main types of ballets: Romantic Ballet and Classical Ballet. Romantic ballet in the 19th century differs from Classical ballet in the 20th century structurally, technically, and socially. The two dance forms also vary in costumes and narrative. However, with all of those differences, they both use ballet technique for a specific purpose. Romantic …show more content…

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 …show more content…

Romantic ballet in the 19th century differs from Classical ballet in the 20th century structurally, technically, and socially. The two dance forms also use different types of costumes and different narrative strategies. Romanticism greatly impacted the world of art in the 19th century. Romantic ballet emerged and allowed an escape for the dancers and audience from the distress due to the falling of the French Revolution. The following century brought a deeper understanding of Classical ballet via the Ballet Russes. The Ballet Russes allowed a freer expression and an overall appreciation of dance alongside other art forms. However, with all of those differences, they both use ballet technique for expression and

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