Evolution Of Ballet

Ballet is a classical form of dance that stems from the 15th century. Ballet is considered the basis of all dance forms, like jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and even hip hop. Ballet, now is such a demanding art form that requires physical, and mental, strength and flexibility. Ballet is not always what it used to be. It has gone through multiple paradigm shifts and changes since the very beginning of its existence. Although ballet started around six centuries ago, these shifts can still be seen today. Ballet started in 15th century courts during the Italian Renaissance. Dancing was for mainly aristocrats and nobility and was used for entertainment purposes. The art of ballet was brought to France when Catherine de Medici of Italy, a

Early classical ballets, such as Giselle and La Sylphide reflected themes of Romanticism and included supernatural beings, magic, and displayed the women as passive and fragile. This is where ballet dancers started to dance en pointe, which involves dancing on the tips of the toes. These new styles of ballets became known as romantic ballets, named after the time period they were created in. Costumes also changed from long, formal dresses, to romantic tutus, made out of tulle that stopped around the calf. By now, ballet had moved to Russia and Russian choreographers, such as Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, had created new ballets, such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker, that showcased the classical technique of the ballet dancers. The choreography was becoming more complexed, more classical technique was being demanded from the dancers. The dancers were now expected to execute pointe work, leaps, turns, high extensions, and complete turnout. Ballet costumes changed with the change of technique and classical choreography. Pancake tutus, unlike romantic tutus, were much shorter, stiffer, and they stuck outwards away from the dancers. Classical choreographers preferred these tutus over romantic tutus, because it showed the legs of the dancers and the choreographers and audience would be able to see the complex leg and foot work of the ballerinas better. Ballet completely changed in the centuries following the Italian Renaissance, and it will continue to change up until present day. (Pennsylvania Ballet