Ballet

Ballet originated in France in the 16^th and 17^th century. The style was then developed in England, Italy and Russia. Originally it was performed in a room with the audience sitting on three sides of the room. The early ballet dancers are not as highly skilled as they are now. The style is now global and it is taught in dance schools around the world. Ballets are now choreographed and also include mime, acting and are set to music, usually orchestra but occasionally vocal.

Ballet has been performed for about 400 years. But it was performed professionally in Russia and France until early in the 1900’s. After the Russian revolution in 1917 many of the best dancers were able to come to Europe and America. The Russian dancers then opened excellent dance schools in the West and taught the students exceptionally well. This then lead the students to open their own dance schools and train other young dancers. So this meant the standard of ballet improved throughout the whole world.

Ballet is still used today but can be done in different styles such as classical, modern and contemporary. Classical ballet is the most formal style of ballet. It stays true to the traditional ballet technique. Although classical ballet is an established style each country has its own interpretation. Classical ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs, and high extensions and its graceful and flowing movements. Classical ballet normally tells a story through the dancers movements.

Different classical ballets include -
Cinderella
Coppelia
Don Quixote
Giselle
The Nutcracker
La Bayadere
La Sylphide
Romeo and Juliet

The style started in France and Italy. They both wanted to make their entertainment out do each other. They used to train their courtiers to dance, fence and entertain. The dance style ballet started by courtiers keeping their spines straight and turning their feet out to show off their calves. Their arms were rounded and they had delicate fingers. Their heads were held high so their heavy wigs and head dresses didn’t fall off. The performances were normally based on Ancient Greek myths so the performance told a story. King Louis XIV of France

loved the style so much he did it until he was 30. He set up an academy of dance and music. His dance teacher was called Beauchamp and it’s thought that he created the five feet positions and the basics for ballet started here.

The first costumes were normally based on the fashion in the court at the time. Often they were heavy and they had big wigs and head dresses. Now is the traditional costume is tutus, leotards and unitards. They are still very detailed and decorative but they are very light and easy to dance in. The costumes have changed a lot over time. By the Romantic period in the early 19^th century the ballet skirts changed and became shorter and lighter so the dancer could jump higher and the audience could see their movements more clearly. The classical era is when the tutus came in. It’s tight around the waist so the males can hold and lift the females easily. The skirts were short so the audience could see the technical leg movements. When you see a ballet nowadays depending on the story and style, any type of costume can be worn. 

Traditionally ballet is normally done to classical music. But these days ballet can be performed to any type of music. For example an American company used Elton John’s music to choreograph a ballet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA8ksXVksDo
Another ballet called Blue Suede Shoes was set to music by Elvis Presley. This shows ballet can be set to any type of music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQTvlOsS4jM
This shows that ballet can be performed to any type of music.

Ballet can be performed by men or woman. Originally the first ballet dancers were men and the women would sit and watch. Nowadays the females do more of the dancing and the men are sometimes used as more of a supporting role. But this isn’t always the case. Not as many boys take part in ballet classes these days because it’s not seen as being as masculine as sports like football and rugby. My brother does ballet and in the past he has had some problems with other boy’s not agreeing with boys doing ballet. I asked him about how he felt about it.

Have you ever been bullied about doing dance?
I wouldn’t call it bullying, more teasing. Many people have told I’m ‘gay’ because of my dancing but that is just stereotypical. I have learnt to take it on the chin and ignore the comments that are made. At one point it did cause me to stop for a while but my Mum and Sister convinced me to start up again. Being in Rock Challenge has also helped me a lot with my confidence.

I think it’s unfair that boys who do ballet have to put up with this. It’s their choice what they want to do so they should be allowed. I think the musical Billy Elliot a great musical to watch because the character of Billy is an amazing role model for boys who want to do ballet. It shows them that if they are determined they can achieve their dream.