History of Dance Essay

INTRODUCTION: Once upon a time there was dance! In dance there are many forms. There is Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip hop, partner dancing, modern, and country and western. Dance originated many, many years ago. People used it to express emotions and stories. As time went on so did new dance techniques. Ballet came into the world around the 15th century Italian Renaissance and it slowly became the backbone for all dancing styles. As Albert Einstein said â€Å"dancers are the athletes of God. † SPEECH: Danced changed throughout the centuries *Centuries* As stated earlier the 15th century was the beginning of Ballet. During the time of both the 15th and 16th centuries ballet was only performed in royal courts where performers would get the audience to participate. Male dancers were the majority of dancers during this time period. To portray women in their performances they wore masks. In the 17th Century King Louis XIV (14th), who also was a dancer, performed in The Sun King ballet de la nuit. Louis XIV also founded Academie Royale de Musique (The Paris Opera. ) Ballet was becoming more theatrical during this time period, and female dancers were becoming the majority of performers. The ballet Les Indes Galantes (the gallant Indies) was the first ballet to feature women. During the 18th century the costumes were very extravagant. These costumes included masks, wigs, corsets, and hoop skirts. All were big and voluptuous. Two rivals, rebels, and amazing dancers at this time were Marie Camargo and Marie Salle. Marie Camargo started dancing in 1726. Because of Camargo’s gracefulness and quickness she ditched the traditional costume by shortening her skirt and wearing slippers to improve her techniques (leaps). Salle who started dancing in 1721, danced in a muslim costume (greek robe like), hair down, and unornamented to express that dance should be natural and expressed. Both dancers opened many new doors in the world of ballet. The 19th century was the time where ballerinas were the most popular performer in Europe. The Romantic Movement evolved during the 19th Century. Which was concerned with the supernatural world of spirits and magic and often portrayed women as passive and fragile. The use of pointe shoes were increased during this time period. Pointe shoes are satin shoes with wooden blocks in the toes to keep dancers on their toes all the time. Each pointe shoe is constructed to the dancer, no two pointe shoes are alike. As dance continued in the centuries it continued to change and flourish. The 20th century was the century where different styles and forms began to break away. Traditional ballet was still there but a more modernized version came into play. In order to move forward from this point you need an understanding of the types and styles there are in ballet *Types and Styles of Ballet*. There are two styles in ballet and they are story and plotless. Story Ballets, obviously, tell a story. Between the music and the dance a story is portrayed. Popular stories told were love stories. Another type of ballet is plotless. In a plotless ballet, no story is portrayed. Instead an image is created and aims to cause emotion. The three styles of ballet include classical, neo- classical, and contemporary. Classical reached its height in the 19th century, when you think of ballet this is the first thing people normally think about. Many graceful and and flowing movements are depicted in this style. Neo-Classical Ballet was introduced in the 20th century. Speed and energy in these dances were increased. In this style classical form was manipulated a lot and the rules for classical were broken. Contemporary Ballet was influenced by the movement of modern dance. Many new moves and techniques were established. Floor work and the turning in of the legs was a major change. There was a greater movement and body line in this style. With the changing of ballet through the centuries and the difference in types and styles, five positions and moves were always constant *ABC’s Of Ballet*. As a dancer, when I think of ballet I immediately think of the five positions. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. I know, I know not hard to remember. These positions have been around since the start of ballet in the 15th century. This is the grammar of ballet and the classical building blocks. No matter what century, type, or style of ballet these positions are there. Ballet is a whole new world when you think about it. Theres so much information that many people do not know. There is information I don’t even know. Here are some random and fun facts I discovered. Mindless trivia or surprisingly interesting? *Mindless trivia or surprisingly interesting? * A professional male dancer lifts over 1 ? tons worth of ballerinas during performances Most ballerinas go through two to three pairs of pointe shoes a week Tutus cost up to $2,000 to make and take 60 to 90 hours of labor with 100 yards of ruffle First ballet dancers didn’t dance in tutus or satin shoes-more focused on footwork and positioning 3 hour performance is equivalent to 2 90 minute soccer games or running 18 miles (and they say dance isn’t a sport). Pointe shoes add a minimum of 7 inches to a dancer A Prima ballerina can complete 32 fouette turns while staying in the same place. After pointe shoe is HOT to the touch Those are only a pinch of information there is from the world a ballet. CONCLUSION: In conclusion ballet is definitely the backbone to dance. Without its evolution from the 15th Century Italian Renaissance dance would not be where it is now. When you think of ballet don’t think of it as a little thing, ballet is full of history, it even teaches you many things such as gracefulness, poise, stamina, discipline, and lots of technique. Dancers all around the world are connected to one thing and that is ballet. â€Å"I dance because there is no greater feeling in the world than moving to a piece of music and letting the rest of the world disappear† Unknown You lose yourself and find yourself THANK YOU.