Dance at Home
Ballet
History
Ballet is one of the oldest forms of classical dance. It was developed in the 16th century. The first ballet was produced in the court of King Henry III of France. Once King Louis XIV took reign, it really took off. The king himself even took lessons!
Since then, ballet has evolved greatly over the time, with several different techniques/methods developed, and the split between Classical and Contemporary Ballet.
Ballet Techniques/Styles/Methods include:
Russian-Vagonova
Italian-Cecchetti
French
English - Royal Academy of Dance
American - Balanchine
Common Rankings in Ballet Companies:
Principal Dancer (highest level)
Soloist
Demi-Soloist
Corps de Ballet (group dancers)
Apprentice (lowest level)
Pas de deux: dance of two or duet
Pas de trois: dance of three or trio
Pas de quatre: dance of four or small group
Jacob's Pillow Interactive Archives
Articles to Read
Basic History of Methods - https://www.danceinforma.com/2013/01/07/ballet-method-to-method/
Ballet Dictionary: ABT Ballet Dictionary https://www.abt.org/explore/learn/ballet-dictionary/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIge37-Pep6AIVB4bICh3PHATNEAAYASAAEgKvW_D_BwE
Notable Choreographers, Performers, Companies
-New York City Ballet (NYCB) - Company - https://www.nycballet.com/Discover/Video.aspx#/featured
-American Ballet Theatre (ABT) - Company
https://www.abt.org/explore/learn/
-Misty Copeland - First African American Female Principal Dancer - https://mistycopeland.com/
-George Balanchine - Co-founder of NYCB & American choreographer
https://www.nycballet.com/Explore/Our-History/George-Balanchine.aspx
-Jerome Robbins - Choreographer in both ballet AND Broadway - http://jeromerobbins.org/
Colorado Scene
Colorado Ballet Company - Denver, CO
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company -Aspen, CO
http://www.aspensantafeballet.com/
Zikr Dance Ensemble - David Taylor's Company - Denver, CO
Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet- Boulder, CO
Youtube Links
Sleeping Beauty - Fairies Variation - by Paris Opera Ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvC4MRTVJeU
Cupid Variation from Don Quixote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oN0A9RRmYo
Swan Lake Pas de Quatre - by The Royal Ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GsajWIF3ws
Flames of Paris Male Variation danced by Ivan Vasiliev