Evolution of Ballet: From European Courts to Modern Theatrical Dance

1. Bell Ringer 11/13/12 • What instrument is played with the hula in Hawaii?

2. Chapter 5 Section 2

3. Classical Dance • One example of Western classical dance is ballet. • Ballet- refined style of classical dance emphasizes the verticality of the body, an outward rotation of the legs with fluid foot and leg work, and virtuosic turns and jumps. • It emerged in Italy and France during the sixteenth century. • Because ballet is physically stressful, dance solos or duets (pas de deux) normally last from two to four minutes.

4. Ballet • Ballet takes its roots in European court dances, which were basically refined social dances of common people. • Court dancers would show grace in an upright manner with controlled, coordinated movements of arms, hands, and head.

5. Ballet

6. Ballet • During the reign of Louis XIV in France, the basics of classical ballet became established through state supported dance academies. • That was the first step to becoming a professional dancer. • Ballet flourished throughout Europe in the 19th century. • Russia played a pivotal role in the creation of ballets.

7. Russian Ballet • Russian ballet was a push in the modern ballet. • Among the masterpieces created were Pyotr Tchaikovsky Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. • These ballets were choreographed by Marius Petipa (French Ballet master of St. Petersburg) and his assistant, Lev Ivanov.

8. The Nutcracker • In North America, The Nutcracker has become the most frequently performed Christmas Ballet. • The Nutcracker tells the story of the dreams of Clara, a young girl who is given a nutcracker for Christmas. • The writer of the story is German E.T.A Hoffmann.

9. Listening • Listen to these recordings. • CD 3 “Chocolate-Spanish Dance” from Nutcracker • CD3 “Trepak-Russian Dance” • CD3 “Waltz of the Flowers”

10. Ballet Breaks New Ground • Early in the 20th Century, Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian aristocrat, staged a season of Russian opera and ballet in Paris. • In 1913, Vaslav Nijinsky choreographed The Rite of Spring to music composed by fellow Russian Igor Stravinsky. • This choreography broke established rules of classical ballet. • A riot broke out on the opening night of this ballet. • People threw whatever was handy at the musicians and dancers. • Although danced only 7 times with the original choreography, it is now considered a central Modernist work.

11. Rite of Spring

12. Theatrical Dance • America loves theatrical dance. • In the 19th century minstrel shows, dances were commonplace. • Dance is an established part of Broadway musicals. • In West Side Story, Jerome Robbin’s dances are particularly memorable b/c they are integral to the story.

13. West Side Story • This show, opened on Broadway in 1957 and is a modern day Romeo and Juliet. • It portrays the conflict between 2 street gangs: the Jets and the Sharks. • The love story centers on Tony and Maria, who are caught in the middle of the conflict. • The music is a careful blend of styles. • Leonard Bernstein is the composer of this music.

14. Leonard Bernstein • 1918-1990 • Composer, conductor, & spokesperson for music • Studied piano, but then turned into a conductor • In 1944, he took the place of the NY Philharmonic Orchestra conductor and it launched his career. • He mixes jazz, dance, and popular rhythms with classical music into his works.

15. Listening • Listen to the Musical Theatre • Mambo-a type of ballroom dance that originated in Cuba • Cha-Cha- rhythmic Latin American dance with the basic pattern of three steps and a shuffle