History of Ballet

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The word 'ballet' comes from the Italian word 'ballo'. The french adapted that word to 'ballet.'

You would have thought ballet was first performed in France because of all the French words. However it all started in Italy during the late 1400's.

As I've described in the history of ballet eras page, there are 7 distinct periods in ballet.

All the dancers used masks because they weren't allowed to show their faces to the public.

Ballet became popular when the French King, Henry the Second, married an Italian lady, Catherine Medici in 1533.

Catherine Medici got rid of all the old French dances. She introduced France to the same kind of elegant ballet she had known from Italy.

At first, only men were allowed to dance. It was in 1681 when women began to dance.

They needed balance because the steps got more tricky. That's why the ballet bar was developed.

The women were taught how to dance on their toes. It was to give them a light and airy style.

Pointe ballet performances were developed in the romantic era (1831- 1848).

The rich history of ballet continued to develop and expand in Europe through the 1700's and 1800's.

However towards the end of the romantic era there was a downturn of interest in ballet.


In Russia they kept ballet going despite the downturn. The traditions and skills continued in the court of the Russian Tsars.

European ballet history had a revival of interest. At the beginning of the 20th century Russian dancers like Diaghilev produced a brilliant and dynamic version of ballet.

Ballet in Russia was responsible for creating a new audience for ballet dance.

Find out which classical ballet dances were created during the classical period.

That new era of modernism in ballet was brought to the UK by Polish-born Marie Rambert.

Marie Rambert worked with Diaghiliev. She picked up this new dynamic version of ballet. She formed Ballet Rambert in 1919.

Ballet in Russia influenced the increase of ballet in America.

The American ballet Company, also known as the American Ballet theatre or theater, was one of the most leading companies of the 20th Century.

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