If your child recently started taking ballet classes or will soon, they might be interested in learning more about the dance form and its origins. Ballet has a unique and storied history that continues to fascinate children and adults alike. Get a quick history lesson here and enjoy sharing the information with your tiny dancer. 

Where Did It Originate? 

‘Ballet’ is based on the Italian word ‘ballare,’ which means “to dance.” It originated in the Italian courts during the 16th century Renaissance following Catherine de Medici’s marriage to the French King Henry II. She is credited with introducing the art form to the courts, where it was performed by aristocratic men and women. 

Dancers wore elaborate costumes that featured masks, large headdresses, and ornaments. Their shoes had small heels, much like the formal footwear of the time. The costumes were visually stunning but hindered movement. Typical moves include curtises, small hops, slow turns, and promenades. 

How Did It Change in the 19th Century? 

By the 19th century, ballet had become a popular dance form in France and Russia, with French used to create terms such as ‘pirouette’ and ‘pas de deux.’ Romanticism heavily influenced ballet during this time and the dance style no longer relied on intricate, heavy costumes.

Instead, dancers wore soft slippers and relatively short, bell-shaped skirts to perform more complex moves representative of different emotions. Some of the ballets performed during the 19th century remain popular today, including La Sylphide (1836) and Giselle (1841). Dancing en pointe, or on the toes, also took root in the 19th century. Pointe shoes were reserved for female dancers exclusively and still are. 

What Is Ballet Like Today? 

Modern ballet classes and performances use pointe shoes and other Romanticism-inspired costuming, including tutus. Ballet groups and companies formed in the 20th century, including the Ballet Russes, led by Russian theater producer Serge Diaghilev, and the New York City Ballet, founded by Russian dancer George Ballenchine. 

The latter company was formed in 1948 and Balanchine is credited with creating neoclassical ballet that focused on music- rather than story-based choreography. His Apollo is considered the first neoclassical work of its kind. Twentieth-century dancers such as Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov enjoyed immense popularity. Baryshnikov was the artistic director and primary dancer for the American Ballet Theatre for decades. 

Today, ballet is performed around the world. Some of the most popular productions include Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, with the latter show performed every holiday season. 

If ballet classes are right for your child, consider enrollment at New Hampshire Academie of Dance. Since 1969, this company has provided the Greater Derry and Londonderry areas with an array of dance classes from instructors who encourage every student to express themselves. Call (603) 432-4041 today to enroll or learn more about ballet classes online. Get the latest studio updates on Facebook.