Ballet Terms: French or Italian?
The language of ballet is intricate and precise – and its origins can be traced back to two distinct languages. Ballet terms are either French or Italian, depending on the era in which they were established.
In the early days of ballet, from the 16th century onwards, the main language used was Italian. This is because many of the earliest ballets originated in Italy.
The first use of the word ‘ballet’ itself was recorded in France in 1581, but even then its meaning was borrowed from the Italian ‘ballare’ (to dance). This can be seen in other common ballet terms such as pas de deux (step for two), pas de trois (step for three), and pas seul (solo step).
In the mid-17th century, Louis XIV began to promote French culture, and with it came an influx of French terms into ballet. By this time, French had become more widely used than Italian in European courts and theatres, so it made sense to adopt a language that would be understood by wider audiences. During this period, many terms we know today were born: adage (slow movement with grace), arabesque (balancing on one leg with other leg extended behind or to the side) and pirouette (turning on one foot).
As time progressed, more and more ballet steps were created by choreographers who blended both French and Italian terminology. For example, fouetté turns – a type of pirouette that involves whipping out of turns – combine Italian words such as ‘fouetté’ (whip) with French words such as ‘en dehors’ (outward). Another example is relevé – a rising action where heels are raised off the floor – which fuses together ‘relever’ (to raise) from French with ‘levare’ (to lift) from Italian.
Today, most classical ballets use a combination of both French and Italian terminology – however it is important to note that not all terms are necessarily derived from either language. Some may have been invented by choreographers themselves or adapted from other forms of dance such as flamenco or tap.
In conclusion, Ballet terms can be either French or Italian depending on their origin – though many may also have been invented by choreographers themselves or adapted from other forms of dance. To truly understand ballet terminology requires an appreciation for both languages which will no doubt enrich any dancer’s understanding of this beautiful art form!
Are Ballet Terms French or Italian?
It depends on their origin – though many may also have been invented by choreographers themselves or adapted from other forms of dance such as flamenco or tap dancing. To truly understand ballet terminology requires an appreciation for both languages which will no doubt enrich any dancer’s understanding of this beautiful art form!