The Romantic era of ballet is often referred to as the golden age of classical ballet. It was during this time that many of the most beloved works of classical ballet were created and performed, from the legendary Giselle to Swan Lake. The Romantic era of ballet was a period that lasted roughly from 1820 to 1850 and revolutionized the art form by introducing a new style of movement and technique.
The Romantic era of ballet began in France with choreographers Jean-Pierre Aumer, Marie Taglioni, and Filippo Taglioni. This trio developed a new style of movement that focused on emotion and expression over technical skill.
They emphasized grace, beauty, and storytelling in their ballets, which allowed for a greater range of movements and steps than had ever been seen before. This style was quickly embraced by audiences around the world, and soon became the foundation for all subsequent classical ballets.
The Romantic era represented a shift away from the more formal Rococo style that had dominated ballet since its inception in the 1600s. The more relaxed nature of Romantic era ballets allowed for greater freedom in movement, as well as an increased emphasis on character development and storytelling. Choreographers began to incorporate elements such as mime into their works, which further opened up possibilities for artistic expression.
During this time period, romantic ballerinas such as Marie Taglioni dominated the stage with her delicate performances full of grace and emotion. Dancers during this time period also began to embrace pointe work – dancing on one’s toes – which allowed them to take flight across the stage in beautiful leaps and turns never seen before. Alongside these advancements came an increase in theatricality with costumes becoming ever more elaborate and construction sets becoming more detailed as well.
Conclusion
The Romantic era was an incredibly influential period for classical ballet which saw dramatic changes in both technique and aesthetic. It is remembered today for its emphasis on gracefulness, emotionality, storytelling, character development, elaborate costumes, theatricality, mime techniques, pointe work and more.