Dance History Dance I Ballet in the 1800’s

Political Scene in 18 th Century France Power of the French royalty and nobility began to dwindle. After Louis XIV’s death France entered what is known as the Rococo period. The 60 years in the Rococo period was known to have been luxurious, frivolous and charmingly artificial. It was this lavish and irresponsible spending by royals that lead to the French Revolution. The social and political changes in France during this time directly influenced changes in the arts. Historical events were often mirrored in the dances performed in courts and on the stage.

From the Court to the Stage With the establishment of the Paris Opera at the beginning of the century, dance grew in stature. Dancers expanded their technique beyond the courts by adding beats, turns, and leg extensions. The five positions become a staple in the ballroom and on the stage. The ballets’ themes shifted from mythological to realistic with humanistic elements. By the end of the century, fantasy heavily inspired ballet choreography.

Important Figures Marie Camargo ( ) This extraordinary dancer was known for her fast footwork. Performing jetes, battus, entrechats, and other steps in the air led to changes in female dance attire. So the audiences could see her footwork, Camargo shortened her skirt to above the ankles. To better perform these intricate steps, she discarded her high heeled shoes for slippers. French Historian and writer, Voltaire complimented Camargo by writing that she was the first ballerina to dance like a man.

Marie Sallé Marie Sallé was a child prodigy in a theatrical family. She danced in Paris and London and trained with Balon. The Parisian press stirred up controversy between Sallé and Camargo. Sallé also played a significant role in the renovation of traditional period dress. She was known to wear her hair down for performance and simple Grecian style dresses.

Jean Georges Noverre Noverre, a dancer, teacher, and composer, was one of the first people to grasp the artistic potential of ballet. He composed 150 ballets which emphasized acting over dance technique. He argued that ballet should be unified works of art in which all aspects of the production contribute to the main theme, and that bulky skirts and heeled shoes be eliminated.

Popular Social Dances of the 18 th century Minuet: The Minuet was performed one couple at a time. The movements were delicate, sophisticated and restricted by the costumes. Contradance: Contradance is livelier and more robust than the Minuet. It was a longways dance, which was performed by couples facing each other in two lines. Both styles were heavily focused in floor and spatial patterns. This changed as the raised stage became more prominent.

Ballet in the 18 th Century At this time, ballet was included in theatrical performances starting with Opera-Ballet. Opera- Ballets were arranged around social dance forms. Ballet Pantomime refers to storytelling through gesture. Ballet pantomime focused on dramatic action told through pantomime with dance interspersed throughout. Ballet d’Action told stories through dance and mime. This style was the product of several choreographers’ attempts to make ballet independent of opera.

Performance Fashion Dance fashion changed dramatically over the century. In the later years, female dancers were no longer wearing heeled shoes or masks. And by the end of century both men and women wore simple, muslin dresses or tunics, often with wings attached, tights and flower wreaths in their hair. This allowed more freedom of movement which was now demanded by the developed technique.