Ballet

Ballet is a formalized dance technique with its own vocabulary, training, and repertory. It originated in the courts of Renaissance Italy and flourished in France during the reign of Louis XIV, who founded the Académie Royale de Danse and helped codify technique. The modern technique emerged in the 19th century with Marius Petipa's choreographies in Russia and the introduction of pointe work for women. Core elements include turnout from the hips, precise footwork, alignment, and clean onset of movement; positions of the feet (five basic leg positions) and port de bras help define the language. Training typically begins in childhood in a ballet class, progressing through graded levels. Companies emphasize technique, discipline, and artistry; many dancers pursue professional careers with company contracts or as soloists.

Ballet repertoire is divided into classical, neoclassical, and contemporary strands. Classical ballets, such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker, emphasize narrative and elaborate sets, while neoclassical works by George Balanchine stressed speed, structure, and abstraction. Contemporary ballet blends elements from classical and modern dance and often features new choreographies. Ballet has a global presence with major companies such as the Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, and the New York City Ballet. Training schools include national academies and conservatories, with professional preparation focusing on technique, artistry, and stamina. The art form continues to evolve through collaborations with composers, designers, and contemporary choreographers while preserving its traditional vocabulary and performance conventions.