1. Ballet From the Renaissance to the Modern Era

2. Ballet developed in Renaissance Italy with dances called “balleto” While initially a dance interpretation of fencing (sport swordfighting), the balleto became huge dances with elaborate costumes and hundreds of performers

3. “The Sun King’s Dance” Before the 1800s, men were the lead dancers and all dancers wore elaborate costumes that covered most of their bodies.

4. Beginning in the 1800s, women assumed the primary roles in ballet. Costumes were minimized so that the dancers could better use their bodies to express emotion The ballet dancer gives the impression of barely touching the earth, defying gravity by leaping on floating on toes.