Ballet: An Evolution of Technique

Ballet has slowly transformed from a simple form of Renaissance court dance into a complex modern art form.

Origins

Ballet emerged from lavish ceremonies, particularly grandiose weddings, held in Renaissance Italy where dancers and musicians modified traditional, court dances for entertainment. In 17^th century France, Louis XIV's passion for dance aided in solidifying ballet as a performance art. At this time, the five positions were created, leading to more formal choreography, and during the 18^th century, technical standards continued to increase.

19^th Century

The emergence of the Romantic period led to an rising focus on the female ballerina, introducing the artistry of pointe-work. In addition, arise in romantic and folkloric narratives encouraged the production of new ballets with engaging story lines, and ballet’s eminence spread to Russia where more complex and demanding choreography was cultivated,accelerating the evolution of the art.

Neoclassical

As ballet, entered the 20^th century, dancers continued to experiment with technical and artistic boundaries, and the art form gained popularity with the public. By the end of the 1920s, George Balanchine and other notable choreographers established the neoclassical style, which served as a transition between the more formal classical styles and modern techniques.

Contemporary

While many companies still focus on classical forms today, others are beginning to blend strict technical styles and pointe-work with more modern forms of dance, spawning modernized versions of traditional ballets along with original abstract pieces.

If you are interested in finding out more about contemporary ballet dance lessons in Cary, visit this website.