Ballet

What is Ballet an artistic dance form performed to music using precise and highly formalized set steps and gestures. Ballet Can: tell a story or express a thought or emotion. magical, exciting, provoking or disturbing.

History of Ballet Italian Courts in the Renasissance, 15th & 16TH Century Noblemen and women were treated to lavish events (weddings) Early ballet was participatory Attire was fashion from the time period Formal Gowns that covered legs and ankles In the 16th century, Catherine de Medici, an Italian noblewoman/interest in Arts wife of King Henry II of France began to fund ballet in the French court Her elaborate festivals = growth of ballet de cour, a program that included dance, decor, costume, song, music and poetry

History of Ballet 17th Century ballet developed as performance-focused art under King Louis XIV French Ballet Terminology Pierre Beauchamp, codified the 5 positions of feet and arms, Kings personal dance teacher director of the Dance company Jean-baptiste Lully, violinist, dancer, Choreographer, and composer…….would cast the king 1661, Louis XIV founded Academie Royale de Danse, First Ballet Company

History of Ballet Popularity throughout Europe Professional Ballet Troupes toured Europe 18th Century advanced in technical standards and it became a serious art form on par with opera Express character & assist in the narrative Jean-Georges Noverre Wanted masks removed and costumes to show off dancers figures, bring life to the images Composition was reformed Venice was center of dance in Europe Italian Ballet Techniques remained dominant until Russia techniques supplanted them in early 20th Century

Marie Taglioni: 1831 In Zephire et Flore 19th Century Ballerina most popular dancer in Europe Ballet hero's often played by a woman Shift in social change, new techniques such as pointe work that gave the ballerina prominence on the stage Ballet Boxed toe shoe invented to support pointe work Genevieve Gosselin, Marie Taglioni, and Fanny Elssler…….pointework Marie Taglioni: 1831 In Zephire et Flore

Early 19th Century Romantic Movement Classical Ballet during this movement which influenced the art, music, and ballet were known as Romantic Ballets Supernatural world of spirits and magic Shows women as fragile and passive choreographers composed romantic ballets that appeared light, airy and free Pointe work, became the norm for the ballerina. The romantic tutu, a calf-length, full skirt made of tulle, was introduced. Early classical ballets such as Giselle and La Sylphide Created during the romantic movement

Later 19th Century Russia & Ballet Recognized tradition of ballet The female dancers' classical tutu as it is recognized today began It consisted of a much shorter, stiff skirt supported by layers of crinoline or tulle revealed legwork and difficulty in her movements Russian choreographers and composers took it to new heights. Marius Petipa’s The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, by Petipa and Lev Ivanov, represent classical ballet in its grandest form. The main purpose was to display classical technique (pointe work, high extensions, precision of movement and turn-out) Complicated sequences that show off demanding steps, leaps and turns were choreographed into the story.

20th Century Ballet Ballet Russes brought Ballet back to Paris George Balanchine, a Russian who emigrated to America, would change ballet neo-classical ballet, a form that expands the classical form. greatest innovator of the contemporary “plotless” ballet. Today Ballet is: multi-faceted Classical forms traditional stories and contemporary choreographic innovations Ballet Russes brought Ballet back to Paris Russian choreographers experimented with movement and costume, moving beyond the confines of classical ballet form and story. the ballet The Rite of Spring, a work so different (dissonant music, its story of human sacrifice and its unfamiliar movements) it used the audience to riot.

Types of Ballet Story ballets tell a story. they contain narrative action, characters, and a beginning and end. Examples: The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty are famous story ballets from the 19th century

Types of Ballet Plotless ballets no storyline PBT company dancers perform in Twyla Tharp’s plotless ballet, In the Upper Room, 2010 Plotless ballets no storyline utilize the movement of the body and theatrical elements to interpret music, create an image or to express or provoke emotion. Choreographer George Balanchine was a prolific creator of plotless ballets.

Styles of Ballet Classical Ballets Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker Swan Lake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25-5ksjxGg4 Classical ballet Oldest and most formal/traditional style originated in Renaissance Italy and established its present form during the 19th century Focuses aesthetics and technique Pointe work, turn-out of the legs, and high extensions Graceful and flowing movements Balance & symmetry Emphasis on story ballets Elaborate sets and costumes

Types of Ballet Neoclassical Ballet introduced in the 20th century Uses ballet terminology but less rigid than classical ballet increased speed, energy and attack manipulation of the classical form asymmetry; an off-balance feel non-narrative; often one-act ballets paired down aesthetic—simple sets and costumes Neoclassical Ballets Apollo Serenade Cinderella Carmen Romeo and Juliet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUNQjjbozF8 Choreographers: George Balanchine Frederick Ashton

Types of Ballet Contemporary Ballet influenced first by classical ballet then by modern dance you may see: floor work turn-IN of the legs greater range of movement and body line pointe shoes, barefoot, socks, or anything else the choreographer wants Breaks the rules of classical and neoclassical ballet (no strict body line) Mikhail Baryshnikov ( worked with modern dance choreographers) Renowned contemporary ballet choreographers include Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor and Dwight Rhoden. In contemporary ballet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF2k4RRfBb0