As one of the world's oldest forms of dance, ballet continues to captivate and amaze diverse audiences everywhere. Watching the principal ballerina, corps, or a pas de deux grace across the stage in breathtaking and gravity-defying movements is sure to always leave lasting impressions. And, it all started with a beginning ballet class. Here is a brief history of how the art form came to be.

The Origination of Ballet Dance

During the 15th century Italian Renaissance, it was common for noblemen and women to embrace theater, dance, and the performing arts. Many of the early ballets of the day had comical and political themes that were performed mostly by men. The artistry started to take shape with the emergence of dance classes. Interest grew even more after Italian aristocrat Catherine de Medici provided funding for a French ballet program after she married King Henry II of France and moved to that country. 

In 1581, choreographer and musician Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx created the Ballet Comique de la Reine, which translates to "The Queen's Comic Ballet." Other productions were created throughout France, making the region the epicenter of the burgeoning art form when it peaked in the mid-17th century under Louis XIV, who was also known to perform on stage. His love for dance led to him starting the Academie Royale de Danse in 1661 and the Academie Royale de Musique in 1669. The former's mission was to preserve ballet's classical movements that were starting to crystallize. 

Popularity Spreads Across Europe

By 1681, Mlle La Fontaine became the first principal female dancer, which ushered in more women to the ballet stage. Still, key male artists such as Gaetan Vestris would continue to play transformative roles as the art form made its way throughout Europe. 

Russia and Denmark were two of the region's dominant countries embracing ballet classes after France experienced a decline in popularity in the mid-19th century. Russian theaters would later create some of the most iconic productions, such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Some of the staples seen today, including pointe shoes and tutus, premiered in Russia. 

Ballet Becomes a Global Phenomenon

By the 20th century, ballet classes became prolific around the world. From the Royal Ballet in England to the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and Dance Theater of Harlem in New York, companies continued on with professional training and performances that sprang from the art form's early French roots. 

Today, the ballet world is starting to open up to include more diversity, as evident with African-American dancer Misty Copeland earning the principal ballerina spot at the ABT in 2015—the first in the company's more than 80-year history. 

Elite Dance Academy in Broomfield, CO, continues to celebrate and embrace all that ballet has to offer. For nearly 20 years, the studio has provided ballet classes for girls and boys ages three to 10. What makes their approach unique is having a team of high-quality instructors who are excited about teaching and ensuring students are having fun while learning. The mission is to develop confident and happy dancers so that they can use life skills in areas beyond the dance class. Go online to sign your child up for a trial class. If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour, call (303) 466-8626.