The Emergence of Ballet

In ballet's early years, Paris became the center for the art. When ballet first began, the performers would wear outrageous costumes, headdresses, and masks. Many choreographers had stated that ballet was supposed to portray a mood or emotion, and with the ridiculous clothing they wore, that could not be done. Jean Georges Noverre established ballet d'action, which is a style of ballet that reflects a story through movement and with this, the crazy costumes started disappearing. Many of the first ballet's were centered around mythology and legends, but as it emerged, more romantic themes began to come out. American ballet was brought here and influenced by a Russian choreographer, George Balanchine. American ballet still has Russian influences even though some dancers have stepped in and applied their own style. Ballet began with courts and dukes performing during dinner parties in grand palaces, but now it has become a traveling attraction. Ballet groups and organizations travel the world to show their talent to others. Dancers train long and hard hours all of their lives to become professional traveling dancers. Ballet has become more technical, emotion-filled, and strenuous through the years as popularity has grown. It is at a high point now and more than likely will stay exactly where it is for future years to come.