Ballet is a dance that involves precise movements, eloquence, athleticism, and concentrated expression. However, to adequately portray the story being told through dance, it’s crucial to understand the origins of ballet and how it has evolved over the years. Refine your knowledge of this aristocratic dance by delving further into the history behind its creation.

How Was the Dance Created?

The dance originated in the 15th century Italian Renaissance courts as a way to entertain and amuse noblemen and women during special occasions like weddings and birthdays. These celebrations required extravagant performances, with masters of dance teaching the noble class how to complete each movie.

A century later, noblewoman Catherine De Medici began to fund ballet for the French court, having dancers perform in festivals to encourage the arts, growing interest in costumes, dance, song, and literature.

How Has It Evolved?

In 1661, the dance had expanded into other countries, with Paris opening the first dance academy. Twenty years later, ballet was moved from festivals and celebrations in the court to the stage, further refining the dance moves into the more intricate and delicate steps known today.

Once the dance reached the stage, it became a staple in more elaborate productions, like the opera. By the 1700s, the prestigious dancer Jean Georges Noverre furthered the movement by imposing that ballet could stand as its own true art form by focusing on expressions to convey the story being told.

What Does the Dance Look Like Today?

Over the last few centuries, the dance has evolved under different cultural influencers like Russian and American choreographers. It has grown to require more than just grace, but athleticism, flexibility, and strength.

Dancers today train with rigorous courses of strength exercises, incorporating a variety of different styles of dance. Plotless ballet has emerged in the 21st century as a focus on the movements and the way they are married together in the dance, as opposed to characters or a story.

If you’re looking to help your child develop a new hobby and they are interested in ballet, consult the professionals at the Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Caledonia, MI. The instructors at this center offer a variety of different styles for all ages, from jazz and ballet to swing and salsa. They focus on a hierarchy of measures to create a Safer Studio™ environment beginning with requiring students and staff who are ill to stay home, followed by frequent hand cleansing and good hygiene practices, amplified cleaning, and making curricular and facility adaptations to minimize contact and mingling. To view their line-up of courses, visit them online or call (616) 891-1606.