Classical Era Ballet Exam Review

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Questions and Answers

In the last half of the 19th century, ballet reaches new heights in what country?

Russia

Classical ballet is a culmination of?

centuries of ballet vocabulary refinement, includes development of ballet d'action.

Name the three ballets that represent classical style ballet in its grandest form.

Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake

The classical style ballet's main purpose was to?

display academic ballet vocabulary including dancing en pointe, high extensions, precision of movement, and rotation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the chief architect of the grand classical style of ballet and what are the 7 elements of his formula?

Marius Petipa; grand classical style, spectacle, virtuosity, choreographic variety, grand pas de deux, finale, and classical style. Signup and view all the answers

Describe 3 signature elements of Petipa's choreography.

Incorporated elements from romanticism into fantasy plotlines, dancing en pointe, and partnering. Signup and view all the answers

What resources did Petipa use for the classical form?

European highly trained dancers and the finest decor, costume, and music. Signup and view all the answers

Which ballet is considered the pinnacle of the Russian Imperial style and what contributed to its success?

'Sleeping Beauty'; fairy variation, rose adagio, garland waltz/character dances, bluebird variation, and grand pas de deux. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects of The Sleeping Beauty represent the culmination of the grand classical style?

It is a grandiose and refined blending of traditional mime, expressive pas de action, and spectacular divertissements in a lavish setting. Signup and view all the answers

How does Petipa translate his inspiration from the Renaissance era aesthetic to the stage?

Evening long performance, national dances interwoven with dramatic story, story told through mime scenes supported by beautiful music, expensive costumes, and elaborate scenery, female domination, hierarchy of dancers. Signup and view all the answers

How are 2 worlds (fantasy and reality) meshed in Petipa's The Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake?

The Sleeping Beauty: Princess Aurora vs. deadly apple, spell, fairies, fairy tale characters, bluebird; Swan Lake: Prince Siegfried vs. swans & curse, evil magician. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the choreographer known for his lyrical style and sensitivity to music?

Lev Ivanov Signup and view all the answers

How did Petipa's ballets become stereotyped and predictable?

Incomprehensible pantomime, corps de ballet usually used decoratively, no vitality, or originality in costumes or decor, reform not welcome. Signup and view all the answers

Lev Ivanov is responsible for the choreography of which 2 ballets?

Nutcracker and Acts II and IV of Swan Lake Signup and view all the answers

How does Ivanov translate his inspiration from the romantic era to the stage in the White Swan Pas de Deux?

Explored emotions, flowing/lyrical movement, fleeting balances, soft lines, low leg extensions, close attention to musical structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot, setting, and time period of Ivanov's Nutcracker?

Mid 19th century Germany Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot, setting, and time period of Bourne's Nutcracker?

Victorian Age Signup and view all the answers

What is the plot, setting, and time period of Morris's Nutcracker?

'The Hard Nut' - 1970s Signup and view all the answers

How do Ivanov's, Morris's, and Bourne's Nutcrackers develop the snow scene?

Ivanov - classical vocabulary, female cast, snowstorm; Morris - classical and modern vocabulary, mixed cast, snowstorm; Bourne - Frozen Lake, mixed vocabulary, mixed cast, snowstorm. Signup and view all the answers

What are Swan Lake's strengths?

Sense of continuity, movement challenges, music that supports and enhances the plot. Signup and view all the answers

Consider Bourne's Swan Lake, discuss the narrative he explores through Prince Siegfried's character.

Are there any common elements in the original and Ek's prince? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Russian Influence on Ballet

In the late 19th century, ballet experiences a significant evolution in Russia.

Classical Ballet Development

Classical ballet merges centuries of refined vocabulary and the development of ballet d'action.

Iconic Classical Ballets

"Nutcracker," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Swan Lake" epitomize the grand classical style.

Purpose of Classical Style

Aimed to showcase academic ballet vocabulary, including en pointe dancing, high extensions, and movement precision.

Marius Petipa's Contributions

Marius Petipa is recognized as the chief architect of grand classical ballet.
Key elements of his style: spectacle, virtuosity, choreographic variety, grand pas de deux, finale, and classical style.

Petipa's Choreographic Elements

Combined romanticism with fantasy, featured European dancers with technical prowess, and commissioned supporting music.
Notable vocabulary includes sustained balances, high extensions, strong pointe work, fast turns, and high jumps with beats.

Resources for Ballet Production

Petipa utilized highly trained European dancers, elaborate decor, costumes, and music.

"Sleeping Beauty" Significance

"Sleeping Beauty" stands as the pinnacle of the Russian Imperial ballet style.
Components contributing to its success: fairy variations, rose adagio, garland waltz, bluebird variation, and grand pas de deux.

Characteristics of "Sleeping Beauty"

Represents a grand fusion of mime, expressive pas d'action, and elaborate divertissements set in a lavish environment.

Renaissance Aesthetic in Petipa's Work

Influenced performances by long durations, interweaving national dances with narrative, and using mime supported by music and scenery.

Fantasy vs. Reality in Choreography

"The Sleeping Beauty" intertwines fantasy with reality through characters like Princess Aurora and magical elements.
"Swan Lake" contrasts Prince Siegfried with the swan characters and a curse.

Lev Ivanov's Style

Known for his lyrical choreography and fluid manipulation of corps de ballet dynamics.

Stereotypes in Petipa's Ballets

Petipa's works became predictable due to incomprehensible pantomime and lack of originality in production design.

Ivanov's Ballet Contributions

Lev Ivanov choreographed "Nutcracker" and Acts II and IV of "Swan Lake."

Ivanov's Romantic Era Inspiration

His "White Swan Pas de Deux" explores emotions through flowing movements, delicate balances, and emphasizes the vulnerability of the white swan character.

Setting of Ivanov's "Nutcracker"

Set in mid-19th century Germany, establishing a historical context.

Bourne's "Nutcracker" Setting

Set within the Victorian Age, providing a unique cultural backdrop.

Morris's "Nutcracker" Context

"The Hard Nut" presents a 1970's reinterpretation, reshaping traditional narratives.

Movement Vocabulary in "Nutcracker"

Ivanov utilized classical vocabulary; Morris combined classical and modern; Bourne innovated with a mixed vocabulary, retaining thematic consistency across snow scenes.

Strengths of "Swan Lake"

The ballet is noted for its narrative continuity, rigorous movement challenges, and music that enriches the storyline.

Bourne's "Swan Lake" Narrative

Explores Prince Siegfried’s character, examining relations and contrasts with Odette from the original and other interpretations.

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Description

Prepare for your exam on Classical Era Ballet with these flashcards. This review covers key historical developments, influential countries, and iconic ballets that shaped the classical ballet tradition. Enhance your understanding of this exquisite art form!