A brief history of ballet

The history of ballet first began during the Renaissance in Italy. Popularity of dance however, did not prevail until the rein of CATHERINE DE'MEDICI, an Italian woman who became the Queen of France. It was then that the history of ballet began with the first performance of this art form called LE BALLET COMIQUE DE LA REIN. Catherine successfully united acrobats with grace of the courtier to eventually develop into dancers as we experience them today.

In the beginning, all roles were danced by only male dancers. At times this created a challenge, as female characters then required the male dancer to be of more slender physique with appropriate feminine costumes. It wasn't until the late 1600's when women became involved and the history of ballet transformed into a professional form of art expression.

Although dance has dramatically changed since then, dancers of this specialty continue the same principle of communicating their expressions through the medium of movement. Whether the form of dance is classical, contemporary or modern dance, one must acknowledge the history of ballet and dance to fully appreciate its evolution.

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