Classical Ballet Characteristics
Turnout, alignment, and port de bras are fundamental characteristics of ballet. It is important for ballet dancers to keep these positions in check while they are dancing ballet.
Other important aspects include posture, toe pointing, and correct body positions, lines, and angles. Technique is important to exhibit ballon. It is important for a dancer to have good technique before progressing onto pointe work.
Pointe shoes are used by ballet dancers of all styles. Heels were originally used in ballet dances, until they were eradicated from ballet in the mid-18th century. Marie Camargo was the first dancer to use shoes other than heels for ballet. Charles Didelot invented an early version of the pointe shoe in 1795. A more refined and practical shoe came out in the late 19th century. Ana Pavolva essentially invented the modern pointe shoe when she was having difficulty with her feet not having enough support. She inserted a toughened leather sole to support her feet, and the modern pointe shoe was born.
Other important aspects include posture, toe pointing, and correct body positions, lines, and angles. Technique is important to exhibit ballon. It is important for a dancer to have good technique before progressing onto pointe work.
Pointe shoes are used by ballet dancers of all styles. Heels were originally used in ballet dances, until they were eradicated from ballet in the mid-18th century. Marie Camargo was the first dancer to use shoes other than heels for ballet. Charles Didelot invented an early version of the pointe shoe in 1795. A more refined and practical shoe came out in the late 19th century. Ana Pavolva essentially invented the modern pointe shoe when she was having difficulty with her feet not having enough support. She inserted a toughened leather sole to support her feet, and the modern pointe shoe was born.
Contemporary Ballet Characteristics
Contemporary utilizes a turned-in position more often than Classical ballet. Most contemporary ballets do not have a storyline and focus on heavier topics than classical ballets. Contemporary ballet does not focus on symmetry and uses more upper body movement than classical ballets. Contemporary ballets may use pantomime and literal gestures.
Sources
"Ballet Technique." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Dec. 2014. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet_technique>.
Picture from Mathilde Froustey Instagram
Finch, Terry. "The History and Style of Contemporary Ballet." Suite. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <https://suite.io/terry-finch/1th62sd>.
Picture from Mathilde Froustey Instagram
Finch, Terry. "The History and Style of Contemporary Ballet." Suite. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <https://suite.io/terry-finch/1th62sd>.