What Is Ballet? Know More About Ballet For Beginners!

Ballet is a classical dance form that requires utmost grace and precision. The performers employ formalized steps and gestures with utmost grace and flowing patterns. This is a style of dancing that tells you a complete story with music and without any words. The performers have to wear special pointed shoes to perform the dance.

Ballet: Origin

Ballet is a French word that has originated in Italian Balletto, which further comes from Latin ‘ballo’, which means ‘to dance’. The word came into use in the English language around 1630 from the French. Not only this, Ballet was introduced in the Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Thereafter, it spread to France and was developed even further. Earlier, ballet performers used to wear ornamented costumes to impress the viewers. Later on, this was modified as those ornamented costumes used to restrict freedom of movement. Because of this, in 1831, the romantic tutu was created. Maria Taglioni, who is undoubtedly the most ethereal dancer of all times, was the first dancer to wear this light, transparent, vaporous, and translucent skirt. And one year later, she was the first ballerina to start using the pointe shoes.

Ballet For Beginners: A Guide

Those who are new to ballet must be excited and full of questions. Usually the ballet classes follow a traditional structure and ballet is popular all over the world. Ballet class begins at the ballet barre, wherein, it starts with some exercises that include basic movements in combinations that gradually progress from simple to more complex movements, and challenges. Moving forward, most of the ballet movements are revisited, whilst adding turns, jumps, some balance, and precision on the execution. For those who do not know how ballet ends, it usually ends with a reverence that expresses thanks and appreciation to the teacher and the pianist.

Get Ready BeforeYour Class

To make the process swift, it is important to reach your class 10-15 minutes early, so that you can deck yourself up and finish your warm-up before the teacher calls to barre. In order to be prepared, start with stretching, followed by strengthening exercises (abdominal and spinal), and don't forget to warm up your hips, ankles, and neck.

Ballet Performers Attire

The traditional ballet attire is inclusive of ‘ballet pink’ tights, a black leotard, and pink ballet slippers for ladies called demi-pointe shoes. It is also acceptable to wear short ballet skirts. And wool warm-up accessories for the legs and body, just at the beginning of the barre. On the other hand, men wear thicker black tights or leggings with a white fitted t-shirt or full-body tights, black ballet slippers, and a dance belt. Sometimes they can also use white socks with white demi-pointe shoes.

Now that you know much about ballet, it is time to know about a few things that are considered important before starting ballet dance.

Things To Know Before Starting Ballet

1. Ballets Past and Present

Obviously, before you start anything new, it is important to know the past and present, learn in detail about ballet, classical music, buns, tutus, and more. Ballet started back in 15th century Italy then making its way to France and was exclusively practiced by French courtiers and royals. Later on, King Louis XIV founded the Académie Royale de Danse and the King himself was a great dancer. He contributed in codifying the five positions that we know nowadays.

2. Ballet Is Certainly Not Only For Girls

This is a mere myth that ballet is meant for girls only. Ballet is practiced by both males and females to improve their agility, posture, and movements. Even the sportsmen opt for ballet dance to keep themselves fit and strong.

3. Choose The Right Ballet Class For You

Always look for a class that is tailored to your goals. It might be private lessons with some advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at these pros and cons listed below:

Pros:

• You’ll get targeted attention and feedback based on your learnings.

• Your teacher can modify your classes as per your needs and ability.

Cons:

• Tailored classes are more expensive.

• It may be a bit less motivating and inspiring as compared to group sessions.

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