Paris Opera will Tour the U.S.

June 24, 2012 By 1 Comment
Giselle and three 20th century ballets

Hedy Weiss, Dance Critic with the Chicago Sun Times reports on the upcoming Paris Opera Tour, starting June 26. I really enjoyed her article as she provides a short but concise history of classical ballet. Then she follows with dates and cities where the Paris Opera will tour the U.S. Paris Opera will tour the U.S. First, a quick pirouette through history: Although ballet is believed to have begun in the courts of the Italian Renaissance, credit for what we now think of as the art of … [Read more...]

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How to Releve in Ballet [Video]

May 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
How to Do a Reveve in Ballet

Here's another great video in our series of how to's from the ballet glossary of the Royal Opera House in London. These videos show basic steps on which classical ballet technique is built on.   It's a great way to learn ballet terminology and view technique from accomplished ballerinas and dancers. In this video: How to releve in ballet, Romany Pajdak, Royal Ballet First Artist, demonstrates a relevé en pointe. How to Releve in Ballet Wikipedia defines the term relevé [pronounced … [Read more...]

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Ballet Arm Positions

March 23, 2012 By 2 Comments
Five Ballet Arm Positions

A couple of days ago I wrote about the five ballet feet positions. Now here are the ballet arm positions demonstrated by Romany Pajdak, First Artist of the Royal Opera House. Ballet Arm Positions Ballet uses strictly defined positions through which most arm movements travel. There are five basic positions: first, second, third, fourth, fifth. Thanks to the Royal Opera House for uploading this video to YouTube. This video of ballet arm positions is a wonderful visual aide for … [Read more...]

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Best Videos to Learn Ballet Terms

March 13, 2012 By 4 Comments
The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet - Best Videos to Learn Ballet Terms

Are you looking for the best videos to learn ballet terms? Ballet is a visual art, so the only truly effective way to learning ballet terms and terminology is through videos. The best videos to learn ballet terms are here: The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet The essential video dictionary of all classical ballet movements performed by some of the greatest names in American Ballet. Teachers and students alike find the Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet the most innovative … [Read more...]

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Definition of Ballet

February 26, 2012 By 5 Comments
"Ballet Comique de la Royne Louise, 1581."

What are the origins of the word ballet? Is it French or Italian? The definition of ballet comes from the Italian.  (Most answer French at first and that's because ballet terminology is in French, most of us quickly assume the word ballet also comes from the French language!) Actually the word ballet comes from balletto, meaning small dance in Italian. Dr. Giannandrea Poesio, historian and dance critic, who writes for the Royal Opera House, explains: Definition of Ballet Ballet: … [Read more...]

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The Evolution of Classical Ballet Technique

January 5, 2012 By 3 Comments
The Evolution of Classical Ballet - The First Pointe Shoes

The Royal Opera House and the Royal Academy of Arts presented ballet Mistress Ursula Hageli's analysis of the evolution of classical ballet technique through the paintings of Degas dancers.  An excited Ms. Hageli shared her findings with the help of Royal Ballet dancers Leanne Cope and Lauren Cuthbertson; Leanne representing the Degas-style dancer and Lauren the modern day ballerina. Marie Taglioni was the first ballerina to go on her toes. Toe shoes were still very soft, no block, only … [Read more...]

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Ballet in Cuba, Birth of a School in the 20th Century

December 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Ballet in Cuba: Birth of a School in the 20th Century

Earlier this month in Buenos Aires, Argentina, renown dance historian for the CNB, Miguel Cabrera,  launched his latest treasure: Ballet in Cuba, Birth of a School in the 20th Century, (‘El Ballet en Cuba. Nacimiento de una Escuela en el Siglo XX’), abook in which the history of the Cuban National Ballet is documented. Cabrera writes in detail from its birth spanning six decades of the Cuban ballet, beginning with the 19th century. For the first time in Latin America has a book like … [Read more...]

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The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

What is it about this particular ballet that has people of all ages coming back year after year to see the Joffrey Ballet? The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved ballet traditions throughout the world. Watch the Joffrey Ballet The Nutcracker ballet. Their version is breathtaking. It appeals to both young and old, those interested in ballet as a whole, as well as those that only make it to this one ballet performance each year. It transcends all barriers and brings fans together from … [Read more...]

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