Pointe shoes

History of Ballet

By Natalie76
  • Jan 1, 1400

    Ballet is developed

    Ballet is taught to noblemen and noblewomen of the Italian Renissance. The court members participate in performances.
  • Jan 1, 1500

    Ballet is introduced in France

    Italian noblewomen and wife of King Henry II of France, Catherine de Medcini, introduces ballet to the French court.

  • King Louis XIV popularizes ballet

    King Louis XIV dances many roles himself, and helps to transform ballet from an amateur pasttime into an art form with professional training.

  • The first dance academy opens in Paris

  • Ballet moves from court to stage

  • Ballet becomes a seperate art form

    Jean Georges Noverre suggests that ballet become seperate from opera, and is expressed as its own form of art.

  • The Romantic Movement influences ballet

    The Romantic Movement inspires ballet, introducing pointe work and romatic, floor-length tutus. Ballets such as Giselle and La Sylphide are created during this time period.

  • Ballet becomes popular in Russia

    Ballet becomes exteremly popular in Russia, and ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty are introduced. The Russian techinque focuses on pointe work, high extensions, and precision.

  • Ballet moves beyond its classical history

    Russian choreographers Sergei Diaghilev and Michel Fokine experiment with movement and costume.