Ballet Flashcards
What are the visual image characteristics of Ballet (4)
- Vertical upright alignment and posture
- Turnout
- 5 foot positions
- Circular, curved and symmetrical bodyline
What determines rotation of the pelvis
position of the ASIS
Describe first position
Toes out and heels together
Describe second position
Toes out but heels are hips width apart
Describe third position
Left Foot behind right foot, Right heel into middle of left foot making a T shape
Describe fourth position
Left foot behind right foot. Left toe is perpendicular and against the right heel making a “L” shape
Describe fifth position
Similar to fourth except that the toe of the left foot meets up with the middle of the right foot instead of the heel
What was the court dance/ballet linked to
Nobility who wanted to use it as a display of power
Artists who were looking for a showcase to get more support
What were the 2 traditional japanese court dances
Bugaku and Kabuki
Describe the periods of Ballet
Court Pre-classic court Fencing Establishment of theatres 18th century - paris opera 19th century - Romantic Period Late 19th century - classical period
Who were the two major players of Ballet during the 18th century (paris opera)
Vestris - father son team that brought in lyrical french style
Jean George Noverre - Reformed Ballet with “letters on dancing and ballet”
Who were the two major players of Ballet during the 18th century (paris opera)
Vestris - father son team that brought in lyrical french style
Jean George Noverre - Reformed Ballet with “letters on dancing and ballet”
What were the ideas, or precepts, that Noverre listed in his Letters
- Ballet should be not only technically brilliant but move the crowd emotionally with dramatic expressiveness
- The plots should be unified in design, logical and understandable stories with no related sequences eliminated
- Scenery, plot and music should be unified
- Pantomime should be made simpler and more understandable
Who are 3 famous ballerinas of the romantic period?
Marie Tagliono - shy, known for delicacy and lightness
Fanny Elssler - beautiful, elevated and passionate dancing. Excelled in Folk.
Carlotta Grisi - Known for “Giselle”, actor and ballerina
What shifted about Ballet in the romantic period?
The french revolution saw the ballet become focused on glorifying the citizen
Where did ballet shift during the classical period?
From France to Russia
A french man that became chief ballet master of Russia. Introduced the Tutu and Batterie, known for Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty
Marius Petipa
Who was Diaghilev?
An entrepreneur for created Russes with choreographer Mikhail Fokine
Who was Diaghilev?
An entrepreneur for created Russes with choreographer Mikhail Fokine
What was Mikhail Fokine Known for?
Choreographing for Russes but also being a reformer, he eliminated miming from ballet
Who was Nijinsky?
Classical dancer and percursor to modern dance who replaced Fokine in Russes
Who was Balanchine?
From Russes who moved to North America to start the New York City Ballet
Russian Dancer known for solo in The Dying Swan
Anna Pavlova
Where was the first american (contemporary) ballet company?
San Francisco
How was modern influenced by contemporary ballet?
- Expanded movement while maintaining turnout, pointe shoes and posture
- Wider ranges of themes
- Wider ranges of music
- Less heavy costumes/sets
- More utilization of male dancers
In what period did women become the focal point of ballet over men?
Romantic
Define Turnout
Outward rotation of the legs from the hips
