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Ballet started as shows in the courts of the Renaissance in Italy in the 1400’s. The dancing took place in large halls that were used also for banquets and formal occasions. Pierre Beauchamp is known to have invented the five positions of the feet.
Ballet was further developed in France. Le Ballet Comique de la Reine (The Queen’s Ballet Comedy) was the first big ballet. It was performed in Paris in 1581. The choreography emphasized the detailed floor patterns created by lines and dancers in groups. They dancers danced to poetry and songs. They wore rich constumes and had beautiful scenery.
Ballet reached it’s height during the reign of Louis XIV from 1643-1715. Louis XIV has the title “The Sun King”. He got that famous name from a part that he played in a ballet.
In the mid 1960’s ballet began to be more popular to younger audiences. Ballet began to be considered a sport and popular rock and jazz music would be played during the shows.
Today, ballet has a lot of variety because of dancers trying to expand their limits and ability and because of the choreographers trying new traditions and styles.
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