Name 6 characteristics of Ballet.
- classical form of dance
- classical music written for the Ballet (Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker)
- Performance based on story line, follows traditions of companies
- precise steps and footwork, arm movement
- French names for steps and movements
- pointed toes, pointe shoes, torso aligned, turn-out of hips, knees, feet, highly symmetrical
When did Ballet start historically?
- dating back to renaissance period: court dances were performed in France and Italy
- court dances were done at celebrations (birth of an heir, influential marriage)
- learned as part of the grooming process in order to enter into society
What happened in the 1400’s in relation to Ballet?
- dances became so intricate and detailed that they had to become codified in order to maintain consistency
Who were considered the finest dance teachers?
Ballet masters
How did King Louis XIV (Sun King) contribute to Ballet?
- avid supporter
- beloved performer
- established the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in 1661. (world’s first ballet school)
How did Pierre Beauchamp contribute to Ballet?
- Ballet master at RAD
- developed the 5 basic foot positions
- these positions are the foundation of all classical ballet steps and are universally understood
How did Mikhail Baryshnikov contribute to Ballet?
- known for text book precision and brilliant technique
- principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet
- later became a principal director of the American Ballet Theater
How did Anna Pavlova contribute to Ballet?
- one of the most cherished ballerinas in Russia
- first dancers to perform in a world tour
- acclaimed for her role in “The Dying Swan” and creating the pointe shoe
What is considered locomotion movement in Ballet?
- moving through space from one location to another
- run, hop, skip, jump, leap, roll
What is considered stationary movement in Ballet?
- having a fixed position in space
- movement occurs around the axis of the body
- Pirouette (spin), bend, balancing on 1 foot
Define run, and state what kind of movement it is.
- heel-toe movement
- locomotor movement
Define leap, and state what kind of movement it is.
- from one foot to the other
- locomotor movement
Define hop, and state what kind of movement it is.
- from one foot to the same foot
- locomotor movement
Define jump, and state what kind of movement it is.
- two feet to two feet
- locomotor movement
Define Chassé, and state what kind of movement it is.
- to chase
- 3 step phrase
- also referred to as a gallop
- RLR or LRL
- locomotor movement
Define Pas de bourrée, and state what kind of movement it is.
- 3 step phrase
- back, side, front
- locomotor movement
Define Pirouette, and state what kind of movement it is.
- to spin
- a complete turn of the body on one foot
- stationary movement
Define Plié, and state what kind of movement it is.
- to bend
- equal bending of the knees
- stationary movement
Define balance movements, and state what kind of movement it is.
- anything with an equilibrium
- stationary movement
Define contraction-release, and state what kind of movement it is.
- based on inhalation and exhalation
- flexing the abdominal muscles causing the shoulders to move over the hips and the centre of the body to curve
- stationary movement
Define fall-recovery, and state what kind of movement it is.
- based on falling away from and returning to equilibrium
- stationary movement
