Ballet

Ballet

By:BarbaraDelBosque.

Ballet is a formalized type of per formative dance, the origins of which date lay in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century French courts, and which was further developed in England, Italy, and Russia as a concert dance form.

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.

Ballet dance works are choreographed and also include mime acting, and are set to music.

The word ballet comes from the French and was borrowed into English around the seventeenth century.

The etymology of the word "ballet" is related to the art form's history.

Ballet may tell a story, express a mood, or simply reflect the music.

But a ballet dancer's technique and special skills differ greatly from those of other dancers. Ballet dancers perform many movements that are unnatural for the body.

The dancers take joy in controlling their bodies, and ballet audiences share their feelings.

Simply by using their bodies, ballet dancers are able to express many emotions, such as anger, fear, jealousy, joy, and sadness.

\

A ballet can be performed without music, scenery, or costumes. But most ballets use all three parts.

A ballet dancer can perform the difficult steps of ballet only after many years of hard training.

Desirable physical characteristics for a ballet dancer include long arms and legs, a long neck, and a comparatively short torso.

The ideal body for ballet is flexible, slim, and strong. Dancers cannot change their body proportions, but they can develop most other desirable physical features by proper training.

Classes begin with exercises at the barre, a wooden rod attached to a wall at about waist level. Dancers rest one hand on the barre for support.

The exercises at the barre strengthen and stretch the muscles, and warm them up for more energetic work.

Barre exercises may take from 20 to 60 minutes of a 90-minute class.

Beginners develop their leg and foot muscles at the barre. They also learn and practice difficult ballet positions there.

Ballet Positions.

First Position:The balls of the feet are turned out completely. The heels touch each other and the feet face outward, trying to form a straight line.

Second Position:The balls of both feet are turned out completely, with the heels separated by the length of one foot. Similar to first position, but the feet are spread apart.

First Position:

Second Position:

Third Position:One foot is in front of the other with the of the front foot touching the middle of the back foot.

Fourth Position:The feet are placed the same as third position, but one step apart.

Third Position:

Fourth Position:

Fifth Position:With both feet touching, the toes of each foot reaches the heel of the other.

Ballet dancers point their feet to make long, graceful lines with their legs. They point their feet almost every time they leave the floor. Ballet dancers work hard to achieve perfect points.

Fifth Position:

Contemporary ballet is a form of dance influenced by both classical ballet and modern dance.

It takes its technique and use of pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique.

Credits-

www.google.com-www.yahoo.com-www.photobucket.com-www.ask.com-www.wikipedia.org

Credits