DAH 210 - Timeline 1

By LucindaFoote
  • Period: 400 to Jan 1, 1500

    Middle Ages

  • 500

    Dithyrambs

    The followers of the Greek god Dionysus danced recklessly and free. The Greek authorities were unable to control them, so they found a constructive way to channel their energy. From this grew the dithyramb, a dance performed with song a flute.
  • Jan 1, 600

    Pyrrhic

    A dance derived from the movements of warriors. Contained forward leaps, retreating and moving side to side.
  • Jun 1, 600

    Gymnopaedia

    Similar to pyrrhic dance, but derived from wrestling instead of battle.
  • Jul 1, 600

    Hyporchema

    A Greek dance where both men and women danced together, unusual for this time period. They highlighted circular and spiral movements.
  • Sep 1, 600

    Kordax

    A comic dance thought of as lewd or obscene. Contained gyrations of the abdomen, hips and buttocks.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1200 to Jan 1, 1500

    Moresca

    A lusty dance occurring around the 12th century. A solo performer would wear a mask or blacked their face to look foreign and mysterious.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1300 to

    Renaissance

    "rebirth"
  • Jan 1, 1400

    Guild Dances

    The guild dances were performed from community members of different sects such as blacksmiths, butchers, bakers, etc. They were performed in the streets for everyone to watch and participate.
  • Jun 1, 1400

    Basse danse

    Developed from the estampie, the basse danse is a couples dance with low, slow, elegant movement.
  • Nov 1, 1400

    Round and Carol

    These were group dances performed while participants and musicians took turns singing the verses.
  • Dec 1, 1400

    First dancing masters - origin of the word "ballet"

    .With the rise of court dance, especially in Italy, princes fought a battle of prestige with neighboring countries. One weapon was embellished, distinguished court dance. Domenico of Piacenza, Antonio Cornazano and Guglielmo Ebreo were highly demanded to create such dancing. It is from this that the term "ballet" came about. Stemming from the Italian word ballare, which means "to dance."
  • Oct 15, 1581

    Ballet Comique de la Reine

    Catherine de Medici was a native Italian and mother of king Henri III of France. She put together this 6 hour ballet in honor of the wedding of Marguerite de Lorraine to duc de Joyeuse. The event was choreographed by Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx.

  • Orchesographie

    A dance manual written by Thoinot Arbeau containing conversations between him and his student Capriol. This manual was used to assimilate dance, behavior, and proper grooming into one entity.

  • Ballet de la Felicite

    A performance to celebrate the birth of Louis XIV, future king of France.
  • Period: to

    Reign of Louis XIV

    Also known as the Sun King, Louis XIV was a dancer and strong supporter of the art.

  • Sun King

    In Ballet de la Nuit, Louis lived up to his name as "Sun King" by performing the role of Rising Sun. The performance was embellished with gold curtains, costumes and make-up.

  • Academie Royale de Musique

    In 1670 Louis XIV retired from dance. In order to assure its survival, he founded the Academie Royale de Musique, which exists today as the Paris Opera. The Paris Opera is coined as having the oldest ballet company. it also greatly helped the professionalization of dancers.

  • Pomone

    The premier opera of the Academie Royale de Musique performed in a converted tennis court.

  • Minuet

    The most popular ballroom dance of the time and often appeared in ballets. This dance had a theatrical element to it which was meant to be performed as well as seen.

  • Opera-ballet

    A ballet made up of different scenes tied together with a common theme. Began using stage effects now possible by the proscenium theatre. Broke up the skill levels of the dancers into Comique (apprentice), Demi Character (more skilled), and Danse Noble (highest level).

  • Ballet d'action

    Unlike its counter-part the ballet a entrée which was segmented, the ballet d'action focus on coherence and fluidity. The entire ballet would have the same story and theme.

  • Rise of the Star Dancer

    Francoise Prevost and two of her pupils Marie Camargo and Marie Salle began the rise of the star dancer. These women were all admired for their technical and performance abilities. Young dancers would look up to these woman, leading to their idealization.

  • Letters on Dancing and Ballets

    Written by Jean Georges Noverre, remains one of the most important dance books ever written.