Classical Ballet Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who was Arthur Saint-Léon?

A French dancer and choreographer known for developing the first notation system for ballet.

Who is Marius Petipa?

A French-born ballet master famous for his work in Russia.

Which composer is most well associated with Petipa?

Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky

What changes marked the classical era of ballet?

Attention to dramatic content, form, and musical unity. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Lev Ivanov?

A choreographer known for his work with the Maryinsky Theatre. Signup and view all the answers

What is Enrico Cecchetti known for?

Developing a logical progression of ballet class exercises. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Pierina Legnani?

A dancer famous for her impressive fouette turns. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Virginia Zucchi?

An Italian dancer who contributed to the St. Petersburg ballet school. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bolshoi Theatre known for?

Its historical significance in Moscow's ballet scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Maryinsky Theatre?

The St. Petersburg ballet school, later also known as the Imperial Ballet School. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dances were popular in the second half of the 19th century? (Select all that apply)

Quadrille Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of classical ballets?

Ranged from two to four acts, included fantastic elements, and had a hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Grand Pas de Deux structure consist of?

Part I: Adagio, Part II: Female variation, Part III: Male variation, Part IV: Finale. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Coppélia' about?

A ballet involving lovers Franz and Swanilda and a dollmaker named Dr. Coppélius. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'The Sleeping Beauty' based on?

A fairy tale by Charles Perrault. Signup and view all the answers

Who choreographed 'The Nutcracker'?

Ivanov, planned out by Petipa. Signup and view all the answers

When was 'Swan Lake' first performed?

1895 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures in Classical Ballet

Arthur Saint-Léon:
- (1821-1870) Renowned French dancer and choreographer.
- Developed the first comprehensive notation system for ballet in 1852.
- Served as ballet master at the Imperial Theater starting in 1859.
- Choreographed "Coppélia" in 1870.
Marius Petipa:
- (1819-1910) Prominent French-born choreographer active in Russia.
- Key works include "Don Quixote," "La Bayadere," "The Sleeping Beauty," "Cinderella," and "Swan Lake."
- Became Imperial ballet master in 1862; partnered frequently with Fanny Elssler.
Lev Ivanov:
- (1834-1901) Joined Maryinsky Theatre in 1850.
- Known for choreographing the second act of "Swan Lake" and his rendition of "La Fille Mal Gardee."
Enrico Cecchetti:
- (1850-1928) Italian ballet dancer and teacher, influential in Russian ballet under Petipa.
- Created a systematic class structure emphasizing both adagio and allegro movements.
- Authored a codification of his ballet technique for teacher training in England.
Pierina Legnani:
- (1863-1923) Notable for her remarkable 32 fouetté turns in "Cinderella" (1893).
Virginia Zucchi:
- (1847-1930) Italian dancer who contributed to the St. Petersburg ballet school with a focus on technical mastery.

Institutions and Theaters

The Bolshoi Theatre:
- Established in Moscow, with origins dating back to 1759.
- Dance training began in 1764, evolving over the years to professional standards with the creation of the Petrovsky Theatre, rebuilt after being burned in 1805.
The Maryinsky Theatre:
- Originated from the court theater during the reign of Anna Ivanova, emphasizing dance as a tool for glorifying the Russian State.
- Founded the St. Petersburg Ballet School, initially established by Jean Baptiste Lande.

Evolution of Ballet

Classical Era Changes:
- Emphasis shifted to dramatic storytelling, structural form, and cohesive musicality.
- Marius Petipa's integration of Italian and French styles laid the foundation for the emergence of Russian ballet.

Ballet Structure

General Structure:
- Typically consists of two to four acts featuring both fantasy and narrative elements.
- The hierarchy includes a ballerina, premier danseur, soloists, and the corps de ballet.
- Grand pas de deux is performed by the lead dancers, while divertissements augment the performance without tie-ins to the plot.
Grand Pas de Deux:
- Structured in four parts: adagio, female variation, male variation, and concluding coda.

Famous Ballets

Coppélia:
- Premiered in 1870; signifies the transition from Romantic to Classical ballet.
- A story involving lovers and a lifelike doll, culminating in their union.
The Sleeping Beauty:
- Choreographed by Petipa with Tchaikovsky's music, based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale.
- Premiered in 1890, emblematic of 19th-century Russian culture.
The Nutcracker:
- Premiered in 1892, with choreography by Ivanov and music by Tchaikovsky, showcasing a Christmas dream narrative.
Swan Lake:
- Originally introduced in 1877; the widely acclaimed version was staged by Petipa and Ivanov in 1895.

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Description

Test your knowledge of influential figures in classical ballet with these flashcards. Learn about key dancers and choreographers, their contributions, and historical significance in the world of ballet.