Questions and Answers
What is Classical Ballet known for?
Who is considered the 'father of classical ballet'?
Marius Petipa
The grand pas de deux consists of five parts: entrée, adagio, two variations, and a _____
coda
The Nutcracker premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in 1890.
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Which ballet tells the story of a princess transformed into a white swan?
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When did The Sleeping Beauty premiere?
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La Bayadère is set in India.
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What is the main theme of Don Quixote?
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Who choreographed Raymonda?
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Study Notes
Classical Ballet Overview
- Rapid decline of Romanticism led to opera becoming the primary art form in London and Paris within two decades.
- As ballet receded in Europe, its talents migrated to Russia, where it flourished under the Russian aristocracy.
- Marius Petipa, a French choreographer, transformed ballet into the grand Russian classical style by the late 19th century.
Marius Petipa
- Renowned as the "father of classical ballet."
- Established as ballet master and chief choreographer at the St. Petersburg Imperial Ballet in 1847.
- Integrated French and Italian ballet traditions, raising technical standards.
- Responded to high audience expectations by creating lavish productions with intricate choreography.
- Key figure in the golden age of Russian ballet in the late 19th century.
- Innovated the corps de ballet's role from mere decoration to integral performers.
- Introduced national dances and a grand pas de deux structure.
Grand Pas de Deux
- A structured duet consisting of five parts: entrée, adagio, two solo variations, and a coda.
- Entrée serves as an introduction, setting the stage for the performance.
- Adagio highlights graceful partnering, showcasing the ballerina's elegance and the male dancer’s strength.
- The two variations demonstrate dancers' athletic abilities and technical skills.
- Coda concludes the piece with a review of earlier dance segments, often culminating in a dramatic finish.
The Nutcracker
- Petipa's grand ballet format reached its high point through collaborations with Tchaikovsky, culminating in ballets like The Nutcracker.
- Originated from E.T.A. Hoffman's dark story, later adapted for children by Alexander Dumas.
- Premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre with music composed by Tchaikovsky.
- Narrates the Christmas adventure of Marie and her Nutcracker, featuring battles, magical transformations, and a whimsical journey to the Land of Sweets.
Swan Lake
- A four-act ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with Tchaikovsky's music.
- Initially debuted in 1877 but was poorly received; reworked for a successful 1895 St. Petersburg production.
- Centers on Odette, a princess cursed to become a white swan, and her tragic love for Prince Siegfried.
- Features the dual role of Odette and Odile, posing significant challenges for the ballerina.
- Pierina Legnani, the original Odette/Odile, became legendary for her exceptional performance skills.
The Sleeping Beauty
- A three-act ballet premiered on January 15, 1890, showcasing Petipa’s choreography and Tchaikovsky's music.
- Based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale, featuring the themes of good versus evil.
- Incorporates traditional mime and spectacular displays, hailed as Petipa’s magnum opus.
- Aurora, the princess, falls into a deep sleep until awakened by a prince's kiss, symbolizing hope and love.
Don Quixote
- A four-act ballet derived from Cervantes' novel and choreographed by Petipa with Minkus' music.
- Premiered on December 26, 1869, at the Bolshoi Theatre.
- Narrates Don Quixote's quest for his imagined beloved Dulcinea alongside the romantic tale of Kitri and Basilio.
- Highlights include the grand pas de deux and the Dream scene featuring a vibrant Spanish ambiance.
La Bayadère
- Composed of four acts and premiered on February 4, 1877, featuring Minkus' score.
- Set in India, the story revolves around Nikiya, a temple dancer, and her tragic love for Solar amidst jealousy.
- The "Kingdom of the Shades" scene is iconic, showcasing the corps de ballet's precision in a series of arabesques.
Raymonda
- A three-act ballet that premiered on January 19, 1898, choreographed by Petipa with Glazunov's music.
- Set in a medieval Hungarian backdrop, it narrates Raymonda's conflict between her betrothed and the Saracen rival, Abderakhman.
- Created for ballerina Pierina Legnani, the affectionately performed Raymonda Pas de dix is a notable highlight.
- Petipa’s last significant ballet, featuring a blend of romance and spectacle aimed at aristocratic audiences.
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Explore the definitions and key concepts of Classical Ballet as presented in Chapter 4. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of the historical evolution of ballet and its significance in the Romantic era and beyond. Perfect for ballet enthusiasts and students alike.
