Ballet
An art form created by the movement of the human body.
It is theatrical - performed on a stage to an audience utilizing costumes, scenic design and lighting. It can tell a story or express a thought, concept or emotion.
Ballerina
A ballet dancer who practices and performs the art of classical ballet.
Both females and males can practice ballet, however, dancer have a strict hierarchy and strict gender roles. Male ballet dancer is called a danseur while female called a danseuse.
Types of Ballet
Story Ballets
- Tell a story through dance
- Contain narrative action, charaters, a beginning and an ending
- Example: The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, The Great Gatsby, The Three Musketeers
Plotless Ballets
- No storyline
- Use body movement and theatrical elements to interpret music
- Create an image to express or provoke emotion
- The creator was George Balanchine
Styles of Ballet
Classical Ballet
Choreographers: Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov
- Graceful, flowing movements
- Classical form: turn-out of the legs and pointe work
- Balance and symmetry
- Ethereal quality
- Emphasis on story ballets and narrative
- Elaborate sets and costumes
Characteristics :
Neo-classical Ballet
Choreographer: George Balanchine
- Increased speed, energy and attack
- Manipulation of classical form
- Asymmetry, an off-balance feel
- Non-narrative, often one-act ballets
- Pared-down aesthetic with simple sets and costumes
Characteristics :
Contemporary Ballet
Choreographers: Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, William Forsythe, Dwight Rhoden
- Floor work
- Turn-in the legs
- Greater range of movement and body line
- Pointe shoes but also bare feet
Characteristics :
Ballet Dance Hierarchy
Corps de Ballet
This is the beginning level, and where most professional dancers start.
- Usually works in a group to form a unit
- Perform the same choreography, complicated steps, and movements simultaneously.
- Example: Snow Corps de Ballet, Flower Corps in The Nutcracker
Soloist
This is the middle level which dancer takes the solo roles
- Dancers surpass or are excellent in the skill of Corps de Ballet
- Dancers get the leading solo roles to show off their abilities.
- Example: Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Fairies in The Sleeping Beauty
Principal
The highest level a dancer can reach
- Having top-notch technical ability that can combine with beautiful artistry
- Having great acting skills and gets the most important roles in ballet story
- Example: Snow Corps de Ballet, Flower Corps in The Nutcracker
