Dance History (Ballet) Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is ballet?

A type of hip-hop dancing

A modern dance form

A form of folk dance

A classical dance form of grace and precision (correct)

The five periods of ballet dance are ___, _, _, _, and ___

Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Classical, Neoclassical

Who brought ballet from Italy to the French courts?

Catherine De Medici

Who is known as the Sun King in ballet?

King Louis XIV Signup and view all the answers

Who codified the five positions of the feet in classical ballet?

Pierre Beauchamp Signup and view all the answers

What is Marie Taglioni known for?

First ballerina of the Romantic ballet era Signup and view all the answers

Name two notable ballets from the Romantic period.

Giselle and Coppelia Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of classical ballet?

Marius Petipa Signup and view all the answers

Classical ballerinas were not required to be flexible.

False Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes neoclassical ballet?

A more simplistic style reminiscent of the Classical Period, but bolder and more assertive. Signup and view all the answers

Who founded The Ballet Russes?

Sergei Diaghilev Signup and view all the answers

Match the following notable dancers with their contributions:

Anna Pavlova = Famous ballerina of the 20th century Michael Fokine = Choreographer associated with Ballet Russes Vaslav Nijinsky = Choreographed Rite of Spring George Balanchine = Father of American ballet Signup and view all the answers

What elements does contemporary ballet incorporate?

Elements of classical ballet and modern dance Signup and view all the answers

Who are credited as the origins of contemporary ballet?

George Balanchine and Sergei Diaghilev Signup and view all the answers

What is required of contemporary dancers?

Versatility to perform across different dance styles Signup and view all the answers

Notable contemporary choreographers include ___, _, and ___

Robert Joffrey, William Forsythe, Alonzo King Signup and view all the answers

Notable contemporary dance companies include ___, _, and ___

Nederlands Dans Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ballet Overview

Ballet is a classical dance form characterized by grace, precision, and a codified technique grounded in French terminology.

Five Periods of Ballet

Ballet has evolved through five distinct periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Classical, and Neoclassical.

Historical Figures in Ballet

Catherine De Medici, during the Renaissance, introduced ballet from Italy to the French court post her marriage to King Henry II.
King Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was pivotal in the Baroque period, recognized for his role in Ballet de la nuit and for founding the Academie Royale de Danse.

Key Contributors to Ballet Technique

Pierre Beauchamp, a ballet master of the Baroque era, codified the five positions of the feet and influenced arm positioning in ballet.

Influential Figures of the Romantic Period

Marie Taglioni emerged as the first leading ballerina of the Romantic era, symbolizing the image of a ballerina with elongated limbs and white tutu; she gained fame for her performance in La Sylphide.
Other significant ballets from this period include Giselle and Coppelia.

Classical Ballet Era

Marius Petipa, known as the "father of classical ballet," is celebrated for iconic works such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and La Bayadère.

Characteristics of Classical Ballerinas

Classical ballerinas required exceptional flexibility and rapid footwork, leading to the shortening of tutus to highlight skill and precision.

Neoclassical Ballet

Neoclassical ballet is a simplified, yet bolder evolution of classical ballet, prioritizing assertiveness and clarity without distractions.

Ballet Russes Influence

Founded by Sergei Diaghilev, the Ballet Russes is considered the most influential ballet company of the 20th century, featuring notable dancers like Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, and George Balanchine.
Vaslav Nijinsky, a key figure of the Neoclassical period, collaborated with composer Igor Stravinsky for the groundbreaking Rite of Spring.

George Balanchine's Contributions

George Balanchine, heralded as the father of American ballet, expanded traditional ballet vocabulary, emphasizing speed and freedom of movement, creating a unique neoclassical style.

Contemporary Ballet Evolution

Contemporary ballet fuses classical ballet with modern dance techniques, a development credited to Balanchine and Diaghilev.
Dancers in this genre must be versatile, able to perform a wide range of styles from classical to contemporary.

Notable Contemporary Choreographers and Companies

Influential contemporary choreographers include Robert Joffrey, William Forsythe, and Alonzo King.
Prominent contemporary dance companies are Nederlands Dans Theater, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of ballet history with these flashcards. Learn about the key periods of ballet, influential figures like Catherine De Medici, and the fundamental terms associated with this classical dance form. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike.