What is ballet dance?
It is a demanding form of art. It requires precision, flow, grace and specialized steps. It is theatrical entertainment. It is the combination of music and movement to establish an atmosphere suitable for the story.
Introduction
It is a form of art that originated in the Italian Renaissance. It has the foundational importance of many other dance forms. These techniques are used in many other genres and cultures. Ballet is a French word.
In Italian origin Ballare, which means to dance. The word came around English from French around 1630. Ballet is a form of art that needs softness and flexibility. The dance itself has experienced many changes.
History of ballet
Ballet was the entertainment form of the aristocrats in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was found at first in Italian renaissance court which was later brought to France with Catherine de Medici.
It was influenced by aristocrats they spent money on music, literature, and development of ballet. During this time ballet has become less dependent on the royal families. During this time Royal Danish ballet, Imperial ballet of the Russian empire and the royal ballet in London were founded.
Italy ballet during the Renaissance had been in use for entertainment on aristocratic weddings. Dancers and musicians used to entertain the aristocratic families. During this era, Domenico da Piacenza came forward as a dance master. During these dances, traditional shoes were not in use and the costumes were formal.
19th-century ballet
Giselle and La Sylphide were created during the 19th century. It was the Romantic Movement. This movement influenced art, music, and ballet. It was based on a supernatural world of spirits and magic. It presented the woman as a fragile creature.
Themes were seen during the dance. Dancing on the tips of the toes was in practice, it was called as pointe work. During the next half of the nineteenth century, Russian choreographers and composers took ballet to new heights. Some of the classical ballets were the nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
History of Costumes of ballet
The dancers of ballet need room to move around. They move here and there with the motion of flying and moving swiftly. For such a movement, one requires an easily fitted dress. There is also a need for presenting the enhanced visual effects.
In the early years of the 17th century, the woman used to wear heeled shoes. The dress they wore heavy dresses. Their dress was reminiscent of court dresses. They had big wigs and elaborate trains at the end of the dress. The males used to wear the costumes A la Romaine or Tonnelet, it was made up of stiff fabric. It was in the shape of a skirt that resembled a Tutu of the modern age.
Dancers also wore masks depending upon the theme of their performance.
In the 18th century, the costume changed a bit. A professional ballet dancer Marie Camargo tried out a short dress and her shoes were also without a heel. She invented the new style of the costume. She also changed the fitting of her dress. This gave her the edge of showing all the intricate steps of her performance.
Styles of ballet
Ballet is a graceful form of dance. There is a lot of elegance and poise in performance. The most important requirement of the ballet dance is precision, balance and posture instill. This dance form is very diverse. There are many styles of ballet.
Classical ballet
Is a formal style of ballet? It has rigorous techniques to follow. There are stylistic variations regarding Russian ballet, Italian ballet, and French ballet. The pointing of toes, turnout of legs and extensions are the exclusive techniques.
Romantic ballet
Became popular in the 19th century. Many of its moves resemble classical ballet. A female ballet dancer is the point of focus in this style. It portrays the intense emotions of love. The movements of the female dancer are defined as of sylphs and ghosts. The point work is the key difference from classical ballet
Neoclassical ballet
It is a modern form of ballet that has an abstract twist in it. There is the main difference in the absence of formal scenery and costume. It has many possibilities. It mixes with diverse music without the use of classical ballet. It allows the dancer to apply modern techniques and choreography. It has departed ways with the iconic delicate moves of ballet.
The Vaganova method
The method is the fusion of French and Russian ballet. It has precise intricate movements that express softness and clean lines. The dancers are soft and subtle.
Techniques of ballet concerning history
The most common techniques of ballet are:
- Pointe technique: Dancing on the extensive tips of your toes.
- Grand Jete: It is a technique of a long jump with alternate foot landing with a whirl and landing again on both feet.
- Plie: The knees are bent outwards continuously with an upright body posture.
- Split: In this position, the legs of the dancer are split fully creating an angle of 180 degrees with the surface.
- Pirouette: It is a spin on one foot. It can be singular or many.
- Turnout technique: the dance moves in this technique is finished with the movement of legs outward.
- Fouette: a supporting leg acts as a pivot in a change of orientation of the body.
- Bravura: it is a form of ballet with elaborate steps
- Arabesque position: it is a turnout position with one leg extended behind the body.
- Port de bras: the movement of arms in different positions with grace and attitude.
Modern Ballet
Modern ballet takes its roots in the earlier part of the 20th century. Russian choreographers started experiments and costumes. They move beyond classical ballet. The rite of spring made wonders.
It was based on the story of human sacrifice. George Balanchine changed ballet even further. It was him who introduced neoclassical ballet. It is an expansion of classical form. He is one of the greatest innovators in the history of ballet. Its purpose is to make use of movement to express the music and to enlighten human emotions.