Whether you're looking for a creative art form for a teenager or a physical outlet for your toddler, enrolling in ballet classes at a local dance studio is a great idea. This style of dance has a rich history that spans centuries. Here's a brief rundown, so your children can walk into a ballet class with a bit of foundational knowledge and plenty of excitement. 

Origins

Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th century. During this renaissance period, royal courts would often host lavish celebrations and dance became a large part of the spectacle, with certain movements and positions being taught to dancers and noblemen and women. When Catherine de Medici moved to France to marry King Henry II in the 16th century, she decided to fund ballet as an art form to share with the French court. Over the next century, ballet became a celebrated art form with established movements and professional schools across the country training up-and-comers so they could perform in the royal court, at festivals, and in theatres. 

Evolution in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, the popularity of ballet soared in Russia, and the visual aesthetic synonymous with ballerinas was born, with tutus, long, slender lines, and pink ballet shoes. During this era, ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty were originated and first performed, turning ballet into an exciting narrative with dozens of dancers on stage. Complicated sequences, exciting leaps, and precision pirouettes crafted during this era are key reasons why ballet continues to be such a dynamic style of dance to both watch and learn. 

Today

Nowadays, dance schools across the country and globally offer ballet classes to dancers of all ages. Children often take these classes to enhance mobility, flexibility, spatial awareness, discipline, and confidence. Through learning positions and choreography, dancers can discover their own creativity and love for physical movement. Professionally, ballet companies continue to perform classic ballets, but modern choreographers and companies are incorporating other forms of dance into their pieces. Ballet can tell a linear story or be a "plotless" expression of raw emotions and connection.

If you're interested in ballet classes for children or teens, Stage Door Studios is the place to go. Based in the heart of Sarasota, FL, this dance studio has taught and developed young dancers across Sarasota County since 2007. To schedule a tour of their facilities, call today at (941) 921-1600. For more information on their dedicated instructors and welcoming environment, visit their website.