Ballet

Ballet is a type of performance dance that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It has since become a widespread, highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French terminology. It has been globally influential and has defined the foundational techniques used in many other dance genres. Ballet may also refer to a ballet dance work, which consists of the choreography and music for a ballet production.

Ballet dance works are choreographed and danced by trained artists, and often performed with classical music accompaniment. Modern ballets may include mime and acting, and are usually set to music (typically orchestral but occasionally vocal).

Classical ballet is a traditional, formal style of ballet that adheres to classical ballet technique. It is known for its graceful, flowing, and precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.

Etymology

The word ballet comes from the French and was borrowed into English

around 1630. The French word in turn has its origin in Italian balletto, a diminutive

of ballo (dance) which comes from Latin ballo, ballare, meaning "to dance”.

Training

Students typically learn ballet terminology and the pronunciation, meaning, and precise body form and movement associated with each term. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the legs and body core (the center, or abdominals) as a strong core is required for many ballet movements (especially turns), and on developing flexibility and strengthening legs and feet.

After learning basic ballet technique and developing sufficient strength and flexibility, female dancers begin to learn pointe technique and male and female dancers begin to learn partnering and more advanced jumps and turns. Depending on the teacher and training system, students may progress through various stages or levels of training as their skills advance.

All dancers wear soft ballet shoes (sometimes called flats). After warming up, advanced female students may wear pointe shoes whereas advanced male students continue to wear soft shoes.

The tutu is the skirt worn as a costume in a ballet performance, often with attached bodice.