1. Ballet History
What is Ballet?

2. Beginnings of Ballet
“Ballet” comes from the Italian word ballare, which means to dance.
The dictionary defines ballet as….
Technique is what we refer to things a person needs to know to become skillful in an activity.

3. How does ballet differ?
Principles of ballet are based on plie, 5 feet positions, and turnout

4. What was early ballet like?
Court Entertainment
Men danced in masks, heavy, colorful costumes, boots of shoes
Movement was slow and sedated
No stage, danced in audience

5. Where did ballet come from?
Brought to France from Italy when Catherine de Medicis married King Henry II of France

6. Where was the first ballet school started?
Royal Academy of Dancing and Music in 1661, established by Louis XIV
Continued today as what we know as the Paris Opera.
Place where 5 positions of the feet established by Pierre Beauchamp

7. How did ballet change?
With new training professionals replaced nobles of the court
Dance space moved from ballroom to stage
Audience had a new view
People who were never invited to see ballet now could - theaters

8. What was the most important change?
Although women were allowed to study at the Royal Academy of Dance they were not permitted to perform.
Boys dressed as girls played female roles
May 16,1681 – 4 ladies danced to music by Jean Baptiste Lully