American Ballet Theatre

early 1800s, ballet, and classical music were iconic across the world. Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It is a very technical, rigid dance full with grace and intricate footwork. Its vocabulary is based in French and Italian, with a philosophy that is historically recognizable by almost all. Ballet requires years of training, which is often expensive. Most people who went to see ballet…

the importance of representation. American Ballet Theater, keyword, American. Within ballet company hierarchy the named Principle dancers are the top tier of leadership. They have earned the right to be called the company’s top performers, the sole entities by which the company is defined and identified. Not only are these dances charged to represent the company, but also by default of the name and legendary representation, state they are a representation of American…

often described as having long legs with a long torso and also being very athletic looking. Also in ballet there is a pressure placed on dancers to be perfect. Dancers are told that there is always someone better then them and that they must keep trying until they are perfect in all aspects of dance. This mindset causes many dancers to strive for perfection making them try and have the perfect ballet body as the first step. Being a dancer myself and seeing many struggle with this has made this…

‘Balanchine Body’, this ideal body type that first began in the 1900’s shapes what we see as the perfect ballet body yet what is said and done in whispers behind closed theater doors, dressing rooms, and practice rooms, is often nowhere near perfect. Balanchine is often described as one of the best ballet choreographers of all time, and often revered by the New York City Ballet, but his work in the ballet has done more harm than good. Balanchine set out to create two large dance companies…

Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes The art of ballet would be unequaled without splendid pointe shoes. Pointe shoes are the most distinguished element of a ballerina’s appearance. In the 18th Century, the ballet world decided that ballerinas should look graceful and light as if they could fly. A famous prima ballerina, Marie Taglioni, created the first known pair of pointe shoes. She built a small box, filled with cushions, which she attached to her ballet shoes so she could rise to the tip of her…

The word “Ballet” itself is French in origin, ballet is a classical dance form with flowing patterns to create expression through movement. It’s a form of art just like how artists express themselves through paintings, ballet dancers show passion through dancing. Over the years ballet has changed in every way. In the early 1400’s an Italian man named Domenico described theatrical dances called Balletto. Luxurious pageants of music and dance would be done, women and men both would attend these…

product that will improve a Ballet dancer 's career. This realization has inspired Nike to come up with a new improved Pointe shoe that will dramatically improve a dancer’s performance and experience. Nike introduces Fine Pointe, the product that will pointe you in the right direction. This product not only reaches dancers and all…

The performance “Vagabond” stood out to me because it was not just a typical dance performance. It was unique in the way that it translated music and dance into life stories. It was heart provoking and evoked emotion to the audience through unconventional movement. The dancers that performed were not afraid to get out of their comfort zone or surrender themselves to the ground. They developed a connection with the audience and pulled them in to see the real world around them. In introducing…

In Compañía Sharon Fridman’s Hasta Dónde and All Ways, the pieces are based on the technique of contact improvisation, resulting in an intimate drive of human connection. The movement is carefully crafted so the dancers weave in-between and circle one another, get hoisted in the air, and crash down all in a harmonious tableau. Though the precariously teetering pairs or groups of bodies, the dancers move and balance in seemingly impossible manners allowing the audience to feel the connection…

century France). The French revolution was not only a defining point in history but also an influential factor for ballets of the time. During the Romantic era La Fille Mal Gardée by French choreographer Jean Dauberval, and La Sylphide by Danish choreographer August Bournonville were born. Dauberval…