Ballet

Ballet is a form of dance, which is taught in ballet-specific schools and involves the usage of special techniques. The term "ballet" is used to denote a wide variety of dances which make use of the ballet technique. Ballet dancing is characterised by gracious and flowing movements and its seemingly ethereal look. Also notable in ballet are techniques like "pointe work" and "turn-out of the legs".

Ballet is said to have originated in Renaissance Italy, where it was commonly seen in lavish aristocratic weddings. This ballet was largely different from the one we know today and was largely adapted from court dance. In 1581, the publication of Fabritio Caroso's Il Ballarino helped position Italy as one of the main centres of ballet. In France, ballet developed as a performance-based art form, especially during the reign of Louis XIV during the 17th century. King Louis XIV established the AcadÈmie Royale de la Danse, which later evolved into the Paris Opera Ballet, in 1661. The development of ballet in France was furthered by Jean-Baptiste Lully. It was in France that ballet as we know today was created, and France was also the place where the ballet terminology was formed. Another country known for its ballet traditions is Russia.

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