Questions and Answers
What is ballet?
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?
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Who codified the five positions of the feet in classical ballet?
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What is Marie Taglioni known for?
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Name two notable ballets from the Romantic period.
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Who is considered the father of classical ballet?
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Classical ballerinas were not required to be flexible.
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What characterizes neoclassical ballet?
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Who founded The Ballet Russes?
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Match the following notable dancers with their contributions:
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What elements does contemporary ballet incorporate?
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Who are credited as the origins of contemporary ballet?
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What is required of contemporary dancers?
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Notable contemporary choreographers include _____, _____, and _____
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Notable contemporary dance companies include _____, _____, and _____
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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.
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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.
