Classical Ballet Choreography

Origins of Classical Ballet Choreography

• Classical ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts during the 15th and 16th centuries as a form of entertainment combining music, dance, and elaborate costumes.
• The steps and movements were simple and often mimicked social dances of the time.

French Influence on Ballet

• In the 17th century, ballet evolved significantly under the influence of King Louis XIV of France, who established the first ballet academy, Académie Royale de Musique, in 1661.
• Composers like Jean-Baptiste Lully and choreographers like Pierre Beauchamp emerged during this period, laying the foundation for classical ballet.

Romantic Ballet

• In the 19th century, ballet saw a surge of creativity known as Romantic ballet, which emphasized storytelling and emotional expression in dance.
• Notable works from this time include La Sylphide and Giselle, which continue to be performed today.

Russian Influence on Ballet

• The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a shift in ballet's center of influence to Russia, where choreographers like Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov introduced technical innovations like pointe work and developed the classical ballet vocabulary.
• Iconic ballets like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty were produced during this period.

20th Century Innovations in Ballet

• The 20th century saw further experimentation and innovation in ballet choreography, with choreographers like George Balanchine revolutionizing ballet with the development of neoclassical ballet.
• The rise of ballet companies around the world led to the emergence of diverse styles and influences.

Contemporary Ballet

• In recent decades, ballet has continued to evolve with contemporary influences, with choreographers like William Forsythe and Jiří Kylián pushing boundaries and embracing new forms of movement.
• Contemporary ballet has blended classical techniques with modern dance, exploring new movements and styles.

Principles and Techniques of Classical Ballet Choreography

• Understanding musicality involves interpreting and synchronizing movements with the music, considering timing, phrasing, and dynamics.
• Creating movement vocabulary requires a strong understanding of ballet techniques, including pirouettes, jumps, and lifts, as well as the ability to adapt and modify movements to suit the artistic vision.
• Developing spatial awareness involves understanding how dancers move within the performance space, considering positioning, levels, pathways, and overall composition.

Famous Ballet Choreographers and Their Contributions

• Marius Petipa (1818-1910) is often referred to as the "father of classical ballet," known for his iconic works like The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker.
• George Balanchine (1904-1983) emphasized speed, musicality, and athleticism, breaking convention and introducing neoclassical ballet.
• Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993) revitalized classical ballet with his personal energy and interpretations, creating works like Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet.
• Jerome Robbins (1918-1998) combined classical ballet techniques with contemporary dance, creating notable ballets like Fancy Free and Dances at a Gathering.
• William Forsythe (born 1949) has challenged traditional balletic conventions, exploring new forms and movements in his works like In the middle, somewhat elevated and Artifact.
• Christopher Wheeldon (born 1973) seamlessly combines classical ballet technique with innovative movements and staging, creating notable ballets like Polyphonia and DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse.