I have always identified a danceform as a creative expression and fine balance of skill, beauty and versatility .Appreciating and being a part of an audience which has the opportunity to watch and experience one of the world's finest and oldest ballet productions in its 75th year of existance is a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. Representing a Nation which has many beautiful dance forms and classical recitals owing to its rich heritage and culture, the anticipation takes a crescendo.
True justice can only be made through knowledge of the complete picutre. Wonderment, magical fascination,mystique and curiosity not withstanding, a complete understanding of technique, terms, temperament, line, dynamics, personas and history is an essential part to savour and saitsfy the multiple sensory exhaltations.
I sat reading up on Ballet through multiple resources and the primary ones which prepared me to the forthcoming ballet that I was to attend are- the much recommended book 'My Ballet book' by Kate castle and the SF Ballet official website.
Some of the answers to my education in ballet include:
History - Ballet, as we know it today, began during the Renaissance around the year 1500 in Italy. The term ballet has its origin from the italian word ballare whcih means to dance.When Catherine de Medici of Italy married the French King Henry II, she introduced early dance styles into court life in France. The official terminology and vocabulary of ballet was gradually codified in French over the next 100 years, and during the reign of Louis XIV the king himself performed many of the popular dances of the time.
The official terminology and vocabulary of ballet was gradually codified in French over the next 100 years, and during the reign of Louis XIV the king himself performed many of the popular dances of the time.
From Italian roots, ballets in France and Russia developed their own stylistic character. By 1850, Russia had become a leading creative center of the dance world, and as ballet continued to evolve, certain new looks and theatrical illusions caught on and became quite fashionable. Dancing en pointe (on toe) became popular during the early part of the 19th century, with women often performing in white, bell-like skirts that ended at the calf. Pointe dancing was reserved for women only, and this exclusive taste for female dancers and characters inspired a certain type of recognizable Romantic heroine—a sylph-like fairy whose pristine goodness and purity inevitably triumphs over evil or injustice.
In the early 20th century, the Russian theatre producer Serge Diaghilev brought together some of that country's most talented dancers, choreographers, composers, singers, and designers to form a group called the Ballet Russes. Members of the Ballet Russes moved to America in the early 19th century as it grew in popularity.
Details
How long does it take to become a Ballet dancer?
It takes roughly 8 to 10 years of training to become a professional ballet dancer. Training ideally begins when a student is between the ages of 7 and 10. Beginners attend technique class once or twice a week. By the time a student is 15 years of age, they will be taking 10-15 classes per week. The hope of a career with one of the world's top ballet companies is limited to a very few people. These dancers are comparable to the finest Olympic athletes.
Why does it take so long to prepare, and isn't a dancer's career rather short?
A large part of a ballet dancer's job is to make the difficult look easy. Unlike professional athletes, whose exertion and effort is perceptible and expected, ballet dancers strive to create the illusion of effortlessness. Simply leaping and turning are not enough. Ballet is a theater art; the gravity-defying movements these artists can execute are meant to mystify and entertain.
Careers in ballet are indeed short. Typically, a dancer's career ends anywhere between ages 30 and 40. Dancers often move into choreography. Many also teach, direct their own ballet companies or resume formal education. The intensity of ballet training and short length of a professional career often mean that dancers do not study beyond high school. In recent years, however, many of the top universities in the US have devised special programs that welcome dancers, and many other artists, to join in resumed undergraduate and graduate level study.
Careers in ballet are indeed short. Typically, a dancer's career ends anywhere between ages 30 and 40. Dancers often move into choreography. Many also teach, direct their own ballet companies or resume formal education. The intensity of ballet training and short length of a professional career often mean that dancers do not study beyond high school. In recent years, however, many of the top universities in the US have devised special programs that welcome dancers, and many other artists, to join in resumed undergraduate and graduate level study.
Don't dancers get dizzy when they turn?
Dancers learn a handy trick called "spotting." Before they begin a turn, they select something to focus on, a clock, door, or distant light. As they turn they try to keep their eyes focused on that object until they have to whip their head around quickly to find the spot again. This helps the dancer keep a steady balance during consecutive turns.
What are pointe shoes made of?
Pointe shoes are worn by female dancers so that they can balance and turn on their toes. Made of satin and shaped like narrow slippers, they have no heel and there is no wood or metal in pointe shoes. The area covering the toes is made of layers of fabric glued together in the shape of an oblong "box" and hardened. The sole of the shoe is hard leather which lends slight support to the arch of the foot. Pointe shoes are worn two to three sizes smaller than street shoes. To keep them on tightly, dancers sew satin ribbons and elastic bands to the sides and tie them securely around their ankles. A pair of shoes cost between $65 and $80
Some Positions...
Pics indicate popular positions in Ballet - content and pics published by permission. Please dont copy or use content for commerical positions. This blog is only to share and learn about Ballet
1 comment:
This was a really detailed and interesting write-up about this interesting dance form. I used to be fascinated by the difficult and intricate movements of the Russian ballet dancers.
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