balet

Balet, often spelled ballet in English, is a highly codified form of stage dance characterized by precise technique, turnout from the hips, and a repertoire of steps performed to orchestral music. It emphasizes long lines, musicality, and expressive storytelling through movement. In many languages the art is written balet, though the English term ballet remains the common reference in international contexts.

Origins trace to the courts of Renaissance Italy and France, where dance was used to accompany theatrical entertainments. In the 17th century ballet became a written theatre art, with Louis XIV supporting codified technique and the emergence of the Paris Opera Ballet as a leading institution. The 19th century saw Romantic balets featuring supernatural heroines, while the early 20th century brought modern sensibilities through companies such as the Ballets Russes and later neoclassical styles in the United States.

Training is typically rigorous and begins in childhood. Dancers study at specialized schools, learning barre and center work to develop strength, turnout, and alignment. Pointe technique is common for women; men focus on partnering and elevation. Core elements include port de bras, épaulement, musical phrasing, and precise timing with the music.

Repertoire ranges from classical works such as Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Nutcracker to contemporary balets that experiment with form and movement. Major companies include the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Royal Ballet, and New York City Ballet. Prominent training centers include the Vaganova Academy, the Royal Ballet School, and national conservatories that feed professional companies worldwide.