The History of Ballet

Ballet is a form of classical dance, consisting of highly developed technique, grace, and precision through specific gestures and patterns. “Ballet is a universe of the imagination, a place of magic and enchantment, beauty and romance” (Garfunkel xi). Ever since the Middle Ages, the art of ballet has made a major impact on theatre, performing, and the lives of many. It has the ability to affect the moods and emotions of both the dancer and the audience, simply through music and movement. Although it has been around for a very long time, the style and technique of it has changed throughout the years. There are many respectable and talented dancers who have greatly altered the art of dance through the developments they have made in ballet.
To begin with, the art of dance began in the Middle Ages and was usually only used for celebrations and communal purposes. During the Renaissance, more types of dance, especially ballet, began to flourish throughout Europe. It all started in Italy, with Queen Catherine de’ Medici, who learned the love and interest of dance from her father, Lorenzo II. On October 15, 1581, ballet de cour was first introduced in Catherine’s palace. It was presented through the Ballet Comique de la Reine in honor of the marriage of the queen’s sister Margaret to the duke of Joyeuse. Ballet de cour, or court ballet, is a type of entertainment that combines mime, music, and dancing in one performance to tell a story. “The setting for these court ballets was, of course, the palace itself or, in fine weather, a courtyard or open space might serve” (Clarke 63).While all of the musicians that played during Ballet Comique de la Reine were professionals, all of the dancers were, in fact, amateurs. The dancers were chosen from the members of the court, since there had not been many professional dancers at the time. Ballet Comique de la Reine was considered a great success, and had been widely imitated throughout Europe for many years after. Another...