Learn Ballet - What You Need to Know to Succeed

Ballet can trace its roots to the 15th century Italian court where people would become involved in these elaborate dances complete with court manners, lavishly stylized clothing and precise movements.

The form of ballet as is known now was not the same as it was then. It was not until the movement set in motion by King Louis XIV to revive the flagging dance work and make it into the graceful movements and five essential steps that classical ballet has today. It was through his efforts that the Paris Opera Ballet was conceived and nurtured.

Today's ballet is found in three different forms: classical, neoclassical and modern.

The classical method of ballet adheres to the strict ballet positions and dances that have been around since the advent of the dance.

Neoclassical ballet still uses these positions and styles but you will see more advanced leaps and dives taken by the dancers.

Contemporary ballet, or Modern ballet, combines the use of Classical and Neoclassical with that of modern forms of dance. In this form of ballet you will see some of the classical stances but more liberty is taken with the actual movements.

There are some key ballet terms that refer to the actual movements of the dance that you should become familiar with.

The Arabesque is the movement where the hind leg is extended and the dancer leans forward over the load bearing leg. This is a classical movement that is practiced in the different forms of ballet.

Attitude is the dance movement most associated with the pointe which is when the ballerina stands on her toes and keeps the other leg up and curved around for flexibility and stability.

The Grand jetis the long jumps that begin on one leg and end on the other leg.

There is an entire alphabet of terms used in ballet that each dancer must come to know along with the positions of the dance. These are just a few of the many terms that you will hear used with this form of dance.