2: Ballet History - Push and Pull
- Page ID
- 288409
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 2.1: Introduction- Pushing into Ballet History
- This page discusses the evolution of ballet, influenced by religion, royalty, and societal change. It details its transition from royal courts to popular entertainment during the Industrial Revolution, featuring figures like Marie Taglioni and Vaslav Nijinsky. The chapter also addresses contemporary ballet initiatives, such as Final Bow for Yellowface and innovations like hiplet, emphasizing the ongoing relevance and evolving definition of ballet for modern audiences.
- 2.2: Medieval Dance (1200-1500s)
- This page explores dance dynamics in the Medieval Era, focusing on tensions between peasants, the church, and nobility. Peasants embrace dance for joy and fear, while the church condemns it as sinful. However, nobility dances freely, and the church later adapts folk dances for Christian rituals. Regional folk dances with simple movements emerge, reflecting the complex social and cultural significance of dance during this historical period.
- 2.3: The Renaissance- Ballet Born in Italy (1350-1600s)
- This page discusses the Renaissance era, beginning in 14th century Italy, focusing on the integration of classical studies, art, and humanism. It highlights the musical "Something Rotten!" and the evolution of ballet, particularly through Catherine de' Medici's influence in France.
- 2.4: Refinement in France (1700s)
- This page explores the evolution of ballet from its roots in Louis XIV's court to a more expressive and accessible art form. The Sun King promoted ballet to consolidate power and enhance French culture, establishing the Royal Academy of Dance and paving the way for women in the profession. Influencers like Noverre and Prévost further transformed ballet, shifting its focus to narrative and diverse performances.
- 2.5: The Romantic Ballet (1800s)
- This page examines the Romanticism movement in ballet during the 1830s and 1840s, focusing on individualism and emotion through performances by ballerinas in "white ballets," highlighted by figures like Marie Taglioni, Fanny Elssler, and Carlotta Grisi. It also outlines the transition from Romanticism to the practical realities of the Industrial Revolution, influenced by historical conflicts.
- 2.6: The Classical Ballet
- This page explores the differences and similarities between classical and romantic ballet, symbolized by an egg. Classical ballet, characterized by enchanting narratives and elaborate productions, served as an escape during the Industrial Revolution. Marius Petipa is noted for his influence in Russian ballet with works like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker.
- 2.7: Dance in the 20th Century- Diaghilev and The Ballet Russes
- This page discusses Sergei Diaghilev's transformative impact on 20th-century ballet through the Ballets Russes, known for innovative performances that merged art forms. After his death in 1929, the company fragmented, leading to legal disputes but also fostering global ballet outreach and cultural influence, particularly in America.
- 2.8: Neoclassical Ballet
- This page discusses the evolution of neoclassical ballet, highlighting its classical roots and modern influences, particularly through George Balanchine's minimalist designs. It examines the societal shifts after World War II that changed perceptions of dance, noting Balanchine's significant contributions and the impact of the 1960s on ballet attire, including the rise of leotards and stretch fabrics.
- 2.9: Postmodern/Contemporary Ballet
- This page discusses the evolution of ballet, highlighting postmodern ballet's eclectic nature, characterized by irony and diverse styles, as described by Sally Banes. It notes a shift from modernism, emphasizing inclusivity and varied training methods. Programs like "STARDUST: From Bach to Bowie" illustrate this evolution.
- 2.10: Cultural Shifts- Pulling Ballet into the Future
- This page explores the evolving landscape of ballet, focusing on inclusivity and representation, particularly for dancers of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the historical underrepresentation of Asian culture. It highlights progressive companies and organizations advocating for change and critiquing harmful practices like Black/Brown/Yellowface.
- 2.11: References
- This page provides a comprehensive list of ballet-related resources, encompassing company websites, historical narratives, and insights into dancewear and cultural significance. It features academic references and personal reflections on ballet's evolution while celebrating diversity in the dance community. Key themes include modernism, queer representation, and the blend of fashion and ballet, indicating active discussions about the art form's past and future.
Thumbnail: Dancing in Russia. (Unsplash License; Daria Rom via Unsplash)