Who Invented Classical Ballet?

Ballet

The history of classical ballet can be traced back to the 15th century in Italy and France. The term “ballet” was first used in the late 17th century by French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, who is credited with inventing the dance form. Ballet had its beginnings in the Italian Renaissance courts, where it evolved from courtly entertainment and masques into a more codified form of dance.

The emergence of classical ballet as a distinct art form was largely credited to French choreographers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully, Pierre Beauchamp and Marie Taglioni. These pioneers developed ballet from its primitive theatrical roots into an elegant concert art.

In the early 19th century, Lully and Beauchamp formulated the five basic positions of feet, which provided dancers with a foundation for all future steps. Marie Taglioni then added grace and femininity to the style when she performed her iconic pas de deux roles in La Sylphide and La Vivandière.

The 19th century is referred to as ‘the Golden Age of Ballet’ due to its expansion both within Europe and abroad. The Russian Imperial Ballet School was founded in 1801 by Alla Shelestova, marking a new era of grand ballets choreographed by Marius Petipa such as Swan Lake (1876) and Le Corsaire (1856). This period also saw innovations such as pointe work, mime, variations on traditional steps and more elaborate partnering techniques become established in ballet repertoire.

The 20th century saw significant developments in ballet technique with choreographers such as George Balanchine revolutionising traditional steps by introducing speedier tempos, complex rhythms and contemporary movements into their works. This is known as Neo-Classical Ballet which blended elements of classical ballet with those from other artistic genres such as modern dance, jazz dance and folk dance.

Conclusion: Who Invented Classical Ballet? The history of classical ballet can be traced back to 15th century Italy when it emerged from courtly entertainment and masques into a more codified form of dance. French choreographers Jean-Baptiste Lully, Pierre Beauchamp and Marie Taglioni are often considered to be the founders of modern classical ballet with their pioneering works that shaped its steps and style for centuries to come; followed by other innovators such as Marius Petipa in Russia who gave rise to grand ballets like Swan Lake (1876); finally culminating in revolutionary works by 20th century choreographers such as George Balanchine that blended elements from different genres into Neo-Classical Ballet.