Whether your child has asked to start ballet dance classes or is fascinated by the ballerinas on television, they likely want to learn more about this beautiful art form. The classic dance style dates back centuries and enjoys a unique history that continues to evolve into the present day. Feel free to pass the following information on to your child to inspire their love of dance. 

Origins of Ballet

Many great works of art and inventions came out of the Italian Renaissance, including ballet. The royal court and assorted noblemen routinely hired dancers and other performers for entertainment, especially for weddings and similar special events. However, the ballet style during this time shares few similarities with its modern counterpart, with dancers wearing masks and layers of fashionable clothing.

In the 16th century, Italian noblewoman Catherine de Medici wed King Henry II of France, becoming his queen consort. She was a famous patron of the arts and funded ballet performances at court, which included music, poetry, and elaborate costumes. Ballet du cour, as it was called, evolved over the next 100 years in France, with performers eventually wearing less fabric for greater movement. King Louis XIV opened the first academy of ballet in 1661, the Académie Royale de Danse. 

Mid-Century Ballet

Dancing en pointe, or on toe, started during the 1820s and was permitted for women only, symbolizing the Romantic heroine who was pure of spirit and mind. Ballet’s popularity spread throughout Europe and Russia, with ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty all created on Russian stages. Ballerinas in Russia and Europe began dancing in bell-shaped, calf-length white skirts, which were eventually shortened into the iconic tutu. Made of gauzy tulle and stiff crinoline, the skirt made its debut in Paris, France during the 1841 production of Giselle. 

Modern Ballet

Ballet dance classes and performances became more experimental during the early 20th century, incorporating gritty themes and new movements into routines. Russian choreographers Sergei Diaghilev and Igor Stravinsky created The Rites of Spring, a story of human sacrifice paired with harsh music. New York City Ballet founder and choreographer George Balanchine emigrated from Russia to the U.S. and is credited with creating neo-classical ballet, a modern take on the classical form that included performances without defined storylines. 

Today’s ballet incorporates traditional and contemporary elements that keep performances awe-inspiring and varied. Classic works, such as The Nutcracker, are still put on regularly and are often filmed for worldwide distribution. However, many children learn the art form as a way to stay active, express themselves, and engage with the arts.

For ballet dance classes in a welcoming, nurturing environment, sign your child up at Misty’s Dance Unlimited. Since 1988, the dance studio in Onalaska, WI, has helped children throughout the Coulee Region hone their dance skills. Call (608) 779-4642 today to enroll your child in ballet dance classes or register online. Keep up with the latest studio news on Facebook.