Ballet Vocabulary History

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Ballet is one of the most popular styles of artistic movement. It is composed of several different elements including technique, vocabulary, choreography, and music. There are several professional dancers that star in popular ballet dances that are known all over the world. Ballet is a type of dance that has evolved since its origination in the 15th century. During the 15th century ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts. The nobility were taught steps by dancing masters and performed them alongside the court. During the 16th century King Henry II’s wife Catherine de Medici began funding ballet in the French court. Catherine was a great patron of the arts and an Italian noblewoman. Her funding helped encourage the growth of ballet de cour. Ballet de cour is a program that includes music, poetry, costume, and dance (“A Brief History of Ballet”).…show more content…
To this day the terminology has largely remained in French. Dancers use the vocabulary to communicate with each other on choreography and dance moves. Since its origination the terminology has become universal and ballet dancers all over the world learn the terms during class (“Ballet Vocabulary”). In 1661, the Royal Academy of Dance was founded by the Sun King were the first professional ballet instruction was taught. The Sun King was given his name after performing ing a dance where he wore high heel shoes attached with sunrays. Until 1681 all roles were performed by men because of strength issues. At this time costumes were so heavy men were the only ones strong enough to carry them while dancing. After the development of the Royal Academy companies began to develop all throughout Europe. The Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg was also developed in Russia in 1738 (Tip Toe
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