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Ballet is perhaps the most iconic dancing style in existence. It has an heir of mysticism to it, as if its style and beauty is beyond the grasp of the general public—which is interesting to note, because that's exactly how the art form originally began. As you look for dance lessons in Erie, PA, in ballet and other styles, here's a brief history of ballet dancing. Roots of Renaissance Aristocratic weddings in Renaissance Italy were incredibly lavish celebrations. If you envision the opening party of Romeo and Juliet as movies usually depict it, that's the right idea. Ballet started as a form of dancing that accompanied other courtier displays like juggling and lyre-playing at these extravagant wedding events. It was a dancing style only performed for aristocrats. It was a far cry from ballet as we know it today, though, with full length gowns and less extravagant movements. The French Authority Ballet spread from Italy to France during the Renaissance, through the marriage of the Italian Catherine de' Medici to the heir to the French throne, Henry II. She loved dance, and used her financial support to cultivate it in France in the 1500s. The reason that ballet terms are still French words is because France was the first place to formalize ballet as a dancing style, including the creation of the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661, the first formal dancing academy. The creation of the school involved, clearly, defining the different stances of dance so that they might be communicated and replicated elsewhere. King Louis XIV wanted to reverse what he felt was a decline in dancing style in ballet with the creation of this school. At this point in history, ballet was still entertainment of and for aristocrats. It was not uncommon, for instance, for figures like King Louis XIV himself to be cast as the leading role in a ballet performance. Other royal courts across Europe followed suit, with leading political figures both endorsing and starring in these refined dance roles. Revolution through Dance Although ballet has elitist roots, it has been an instrument for political commentary since it became standardized, whether as a tool for indoctrinating the masses or for making cheeky political commentary against the aristocracy. For example, the beginning of ballet in France meant that males were the central figures and stars of each show, and the male dancers were the only ones allowed to perform more complicated routines and footwork onstage. During the French Revolution, the male dancers were made to look less-than and foolish compared to their female dancing partners as a kind of social commentary on the underdog, or underrated figure, rising to power. This is where the female as the central figure in many ballets originally comes from. Russia developed its own distinct ballet company and dancing style to rival the French, and their message was also quite different. During the times coming up to the Bolshevik Revolution and the fall of communist Russia, ballet was used over and over again as a way to glorify the willing servitude of the masses towards a greater cause. Much of modern ballet derives from Russian dance styles cultivated during this time period. Ballet is a fascinating, intricate history. Its aristocratic origins have given it a unique voice of authority throughout history for being able to make legitimate political and social commentary. It is also an essential foundation point for anyone looking to pursue dance lessons in Erie, PA.
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