Bell Ringer 11/13/12 What instrument is played with the hula in Hawaii?

Chapter 5 Section 2

Classical Dance One example of Western classical dance is ballet. Ballet- refined style of classical dance emphasizes the verticality of the body, an outward rotation of the legs with fluid foot and leg work, and virtuosic turns and jumps. It emerged in Italy and France during the sixteenth century. Because ballet is physically stressful, dance solos or duets (pas de deux) normally last from two to four minutes.

Ballet Ballet takes its roots in European court dances, which were basically refined social dances of common people. Court dancers would show grace in an upright manner with controlled, coordinated movements of arms, hands, and head.

Ballet

During the reign of Louis XIV in France, the basics of classical ballet became established through state supported dance academies. That was the first step to becoming a professional dancer. Ballet flourished throughout Europe in the 19 th century. Russia played a pivotal role in the creation of ballets.

Russian Ballet Russian ballet was a push in the modern ballet. Among the masterpieces created were Pyotr Tchaikovsky Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. These ballets were choreographed by Marius Petipa (French Ballet master of St. Petersburg) and his assistant, Lev Ivanov.

The Nutcracker In North America, The Nutcracker has become the most frequently performed Christmas Ballet. The Nutcracker tells the story of the dreams of Clara, a young girl who is given a nutcracker for Christmas. The writer of the story is German E.T.A Hoffmann.

Listening Listen to these recordings. CD 3 “Chocolate-Spanish Dance” from Nutcracker CD3 “Trepak-Russian Dance” CD3 “Waltz of the Flowers”

Ballet Breaks New Ground Early in the 20 th Century, Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian aristocrat, staged a season of Russian opera and ballet in Paris. In 1913, Vaslav Nijinsky choreographed The Rite of Spring to music composed by fellow Russian Igor Stravinsky. This choreography broke established rules of classical ballet. A riot broke out on the opening night of this ballet. People threw whatever was handy at the musicians and dancers. Although danced only 7 times with the original choreography, it is now considered a central Modernist work.

Rite of Spring

Theatrical Dance America loves theatrical dance. In the 19 th century minstrel shows, dances were commonplace. Dance is an established part of Broadway musicals. In West Side Story, Jerome Robbin’s dances are particularly memorable b/c they are integral to the story.

West Side Story This show, opened on Broadway in 1957 and is a modern day Romeo and Juliet. It portrays the conflict between 2 street gangs: the Jets and the Sharks. The love story centers on Tony and Maria, who are caught in the middle of the conflict. The music is a careful blend of styles. Leonard Bernstein is the composer of this music.

Leonard Bernstein Composer, conductor, & spokesperson for music Studied piano, but then turned into a conductor In 1944, he took the place of the NY Philharmonic Orchestra conductor and it launched his career. He mixes jazz, dance, and popular rhythms with classical music into his works.

Listening Listen to the Musical Theatre Mambo- a type of ballroom dance that originated in Cuba Cha-Cha- rhythmic Latin American dance with the basic pattern of three steps and a shuffle