Classical Ballet

Classical Ballet is the foundation of all performance dance. Ballet is a formalized type of performance dance, which originated in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century French courts, and which was further developed in England, Italy, and Russia as a concert dance form. The early performances preceded the intervention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with most of the audience seated on tiers or galleries on three sides of the dancing floor. The early ballet dancers were not as highly skilled as they are now. It has since become a highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary. It is primarily performed with the accompaniment of classical music. It has been influential as a form of dance globally and is taught in ballet schools around the world, which use their own cultures and societies to inform the art. Ballet dance works (ballets) are choreographed and performed by trained artists, include mime and acting, and are set to music (usually orchestral but occasionally vocal). It is a poised style of dance that incorporates the foundational techniques for many other dance styles including folk dance movements and court dances.

People often want a simple definition of Classical Ballet. The go to dance performances and see people performing amazing movements, but are not sure if they are watching “real ballet” or not.

You will know if you are watching Classical Ballet when the following criteria are met:

You know you are watching Classical Ballet when:

• The dancing on stage is used to tell a story
• The costumes help audience understand about whom the story is being told.
• The music helps tell the story
• The is scenery that helps the audience understand where the story takes place
• The ladies all dance on pointe.