Six Schools of Ballet

Question 1

The French Method

Answer 1

Catherine de; Medici (Italian aristocrat, married to King Henry II) introduced ballet to the French courts.

Question 2

Vaganova Method

Answer 2

Mostly practiced in Russia. Distinguished ballet. Mix of French, Italian, Russian Ballet. One of the most important aspects of it is that simple moves must be mastered before complex moves. Core principle involves the whole body and focus on the upper body where people can see.

Question 3

Bourneville Method

Answer 3

Danish dance, reflecting on the French style. Emphasis on fast foot movement and graceful arms. There should be no visible effort. There is a portrayal of character. Lower leg work because of long dresses.

Question 4

Royal Academy of Dance Method

Answer 4

Started in the UK, now known as an English style of ballet. Emphasis on classical ballet. Emphasis on precise technique. Levels of Ballet and graded by an examiner from Britain. Developed a standard and code of ballet.

Question 5

Balanchine Method

Answer 5

Balanchine left the Soviet Union went to Paris then went to America and founded “school of American ballet” in New York City
From George Balanchine (neo-classical ballet). Allows dancers to utilize more space in less time.

Question 6

Cechetti Method

Answer 6

Started in Italy, classical form of ballet. It is different because emphasis on strength, fast paced, detailed, and precise. Dancers are taught to focus on the whole body, involves folk dance.

Question 7

King Louis the 14th (Louis XIV)

Answer 7

-“Sun King,”
-played a significant role in the development of ballet
-passionate dancer
-established the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661, which later evolved into the Paris Opera Ballet.
- promoted ballet as an art form and used it as a means to demonstrate his power and magnificence through lavish court performances.
- laid the foundation for the formalization and codification of ballet technique, which influenced the development of classical ballet as we know it today.