Ballet dance
Created | Updated Oct 20, 2005
Ballet History
Ballet originated in France around the 1600s, but was soon after adopted and modified by the Russians, Dutch, Italians and English. Now however, ballet companies and schools may be found in almost all regions of the world including North and South America, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and China.
Pointe work
Probably that first thing most people think of when they hear the word "ballet" is girls in pink satin pointe shoes. In reality however, pointe work is a newer development in ballet. Pointe work was first created in order to create the illusion that the female dancers could fly, and pointe shoes were only worn when the dancer portrayed a magical creature such as a sylph or willie. In the current day however, pointe work has evolved into something much more complicated and demanding than before. Now pointe shoes are worn by female dancers almost all the time whatever their role. The shoes themselves have also changed. Pointe shoes are now made of much harder matter in order to give more support and to last longer. The list of materials in most pointe shoes includes not only satin, but also canvas, wood, and glue.
The technique
Contrary to popular belief, ballet is an extremely physically demanding art/sport. In fact in a recent survay, ballet was rated as the second hardest "sport", right behind football. Where else would one be demanded to balance on one foot and on demi pointe while your other leg is positioned 130 degrees or higher in the air? I could go on... In summary, ballet was founded in France, but is now accepted world wide as a beautiful art form.
Ballet originated in France around the 1600s, but was soon after adopted and modified by the Russians, Dutch, Italians and English. Now however, ballet companies and schools may be found in almost all regions of the world including North and South America, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and China.
Pointe work
Probably that first thing most people think of when they hear the word "ballet" is girls in pink satin pointe shoes. In reality however, pointe work is a newer development in ballet. Pointe work was first created in order to create the illusion that the female dancers could fly, and pointe shoes were only worn when the dancer portrayed a magical creature such as a sylph or willie. In the current day however, pointe work has evolved into something much more complicated and demanding than before. Now pointe shoes are worn by female dancers almost all the time whatever their role. The shoes themselves have also changed. Pointe shoes are now made of much harder matter in order to give more support and to last longer. The list of materials in most pointe shoes includes not only satin, but also canvas, wood, and glue.
The technique
Contrary to popular belief, ballet is an extremely physically demanding art/sport. In fact in a recent survay, ballet was rated as the second hardest "sport", right behind football. Where else would one be demanded to balance on one foot and on demi pointe while your other leg is positioned 130 degrees or higher in the air? I could go on... In summary, ballet was founded in France, but is now accepted world wide as a beautiful art form.
