CLASSICAL

BALLET
DANCE
A History
Classical Ballet is all about…

Agility, Control, Speed,

Lightness
and Grace
 Classical ballet also called ‘romantic
ballet’ is a stunning performance by

What is professionally trained dancers,

usually set to the stirring sounds of
Classical an orchestral score. Both

Ballet?
emotionally and visually evocative,
classical ballet brings romantic tales
to life.
History of
Ballet
 Ballet emerged during the Italian
Renaissance and made its way to

Origins of
France in the 16th century. Classical
ballet was first performed at social
court dances. As it gained popularity in
Classical the 17th century, ballet evolved into a
professional art form performed by

Ballet rigorously trained entertainers who

could perform advanced acrobatic
techniques. The formal style of ballet
includes meticulous training for pointe
work and high extensions.
 As ballet grew in popularity, operas
began incorporating it into their

Origins of productions, to the delight of

audiences.
Classical In the 18th century, ballets began

Ballet
being performed on their own, with
choreography and music that told
dramatic stories.
 The next century ushered in the
Romantic Era. This saw the creation

Origins of of ballets like “La Sylphide” that

featured enthralling stories about

Classical the supernatural. This era was also

when the tutu and dancing en

Ballet pointe were introduced. The skills

were harder, the choreography was
more demanding and the ballerinas
were finally being taken seriously as
professionals.
 While there are several genres,
classical ballets all exhibit similar

Origins of
composition, costuming, and style.
Classical ballet is danced to classical
music, and the choreography includes
Classical female dancers dancing en pointe.
The signature style of a particular

Ballet ballet often depends on the country of

its origin. For example, Russian ballet
features more high extensions and
dynamic turns, while Italian ballet
offers quick, extensive footwork.
 Marius Petipa
father of Classical Ballet
Most responsible for the rise of classical ballet as a
genre was Marius Petipa, “the father of classical ballet”
and possibly the most influential ballet teacher in
history. He put together choreography that was more
intricate and performances that were more dramatic
than audiences had ever seen before. He created “The
Nutcracker” (or rather, the libretto), “Swan Lake” and
“Sleeping Beauty”, and some versions of these ballets
are still performed in the same way they were put on
centuries ago.
History of
Ballet
Classical Ballet emphasizes…

Long and graceful

lines
 Classical ballet emphasizes fluid,

Characteristics of
graceful movements and long lines,
along with strict adherence to

Classical Ballet correct form and technique,

especially turn-out of the legs.
There’s also a focus on narrative and
storytelling achieved through
dramatic visuals and complex
choreography.
 Students typically learn ballet terminology
and the pronunciation, meaning, and precise
Characteristics of body form and movement associated with

Classical Ballet
each term. Emphasis is placed on developing
flexibility and strengthening the legs, feet,
and body core (the center, or abdominals) as
a strong core is essential for turns and many
other ballet movements. Dancers also learn
to use their spot which teaches them to focus
on something while turning so as not to
become dizzy and lose their balance.
Five Basic Ballet
Positions:
First Position

Heels together, and

toes going outwards.
Five Basic Ballet
Positions:
Second Position

The feet point in

opposite directions,
with heels spaced
approximately twelve
inches apart.
Five Basic Ballet
Positions:
Third Position

One foot is placed in

front of the other so
that the heel of the
front foot is near the
arch.
Five Basic Ballet
Positions:
Fourth Position
There are two types of fourth
position: openand closed. In both
cases, one foot is placed
approximately twelve inches in
front of the other. In open fourth
position the heels are aligned,
while in closed fourth position the
heel of the front foot is aligned
with the toe of the back foot.
Five Basic Ballet
Positions:
Third Position
Fifth position should form two
parallel lines with your feet. The
heel of the front foot should be
in contact with the big toe of
the other, and the heel of the
back foot should be in contact
with the last toe of the front
foot.
Ballet Attire
Female attire typically includes pink or flesh colored tights, a leotard,
and sometimes a short wrap-skirt, or a skirted leotard.
Males typically wear black or dark tights, a form-fitting white, or black,
shirt or leotard worn under the tights, and a dance belt beneath the
outer dancewear to provide support.
In some cases, students may wear a unitard — a one-piece garment
that combines tights and a leotard — to enhance the visibility of
artistic lines.All dancers wear soft ballet shoes (sometimes
called flats). Typically, female dancers wear pink or beige shoes and
men wear black or white shoes.
Leg warmers are sometimes worn during the early part of a
class to protect leg muscles until they become warm.
Females are usually required to restrain their hair in a bun or
some other hair style that exposes the neck that is not a
ponytail.
After warming up, advanced female students may
wear pointe shoes whereas advanced male students continue
to wear soft shoes.
Best Classical
Ballet
"Giselle" is a romantic two-act dance first performed by the Ballet du
Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique at the Salle Le Peletier in
Paris, France. The story was written by Theophile Gautier with help
from authors Chevalier de St. Georges and Jean Coralli.
The story revolves around a woman who has two lovers. She is
considered the most beautiful and best dancer in her village, and yet,
she dies of a broken heart. After her death, Giselle is summoned
from her grave by a group of supernatural women.
Considered one of the most popular ballets, "Giselle" has attracted
the best dancers in its leading roles since its creation. The ballet's
signature ballet-blanc, or corps of women in white, has become
emblematic of classical ballet.
"The Nutcracker" has become a family-friendly Christmas tradition
performed by numerous ballet companies around the world. For many,
the season wouldn't be complete without attending a performance of
"The Nutcracker." In fact, an estimated 40 percent of total annual ticket
revenues earned by popular American ballet organizations comes from
performances of this fairy tale.
The libretto follows the story a story of young Clara (sometimes known
as Marie or Masha) who dreams of the Nutcracker Prince and a fierce
battle against a seven-headed Mouse King. This two-act ballet was
originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov along with
the music from Tchaikovsky. The original production in 1892 was
considered a failure, however, Tchaikovsky's suite was considered a
huge success.
Often considered the epitome of classical ballets, "Swan Lake"
is a tale of love, betrayal, and the triumph of good over evil.
The libretto chronicles the story of Odette, a young girl doomed
by a wicked sorcerer who casts a spell condemning her to be a
swan during the day and a human only at night. Odette
becomes the queen of the swans, the most beautiful of all. In
order to break the spell, a young man must profess his undying
love for her.
This classic fairy tale ballet was originally choreographed by
Julius Reisinger with music from Tchaikovsky. The premiere
was in 1877 by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, Russia.