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Ballet dance is all about grace and precision. The ballerinas always ensure depicting the message through music and movements. This is an art form created by the swift movements of the human body. Ballet dance is known for the theatrical performance for the audience utilizing costumes, scenic design, lighting and more. Let us talk further about ballet elements and movements. Elements of Ballet Ballet is a means of expressing a theme or telling a story using dance as a medium. There are four major elements ballet can be characterized into. Let's have a look at them. Choreography- It is the dance element without which performing ballet is quite impossible. The term refers to the design of ballet dance which means the particular movements to be performed by the performers. Music: It is the melodic element of ballet dance. Without music ballet is nothing and good music leads to a great ballet performance. Plot: Ballet dance is based on a storyline along with music. It is known as a theatrical art and hence plot is the story that is being enacted within the ballet performance. Decoration: Of course the stage setup is must. Decoration is the next element of ballet wherein the sets keep on changing based on the plot along with the music at the background. Keeping in mind these important elements, one should know the popular ballet dance movements too. Apart from these elements, there are certain set positions for arms and feet, giving the performer a pleasing aspect. For instance, keeping both feet together in line heel to heel; feet apart in line heels opposed; feet together front and behind (overlapping by about a half foot length); feet apart either closed i.e. fully overlapping or open i.e. no overlap; and feet together and fully overlapping. We've compiled a list of common ballet movements to have a look at. Movements of Ballet 1. Assemble´: Assemble´ is a ballet dance move where the dancer lifts off the floor on one leg and ends on two. The legs are then assembled at the same time. 2. Grande Jete´: It is a big jump wherein one foot is brushed into the air and it seems like it has been thrown. 3. Plie´: This ballet dance movement means to bend. It refers to the bending of the knee.

4. Pirouette: Pirouette is a ballet dance movement that refers to a rotation or a spin. Here, the dancer takes a complete body turn being on a single foot, on point or demi-pointe.

Ballet is a classical dance form that requires utmost grace and precision. The performers employ formalized steps and gestures with utmost grace and flowing patterns. This is a style of dancing that tells you a complete story with music and without any words. The performers have to wear special pointed shoes to perform the dance.

Ballet: Origin

Ballet is a French word which has originated in Italian balletto, that further comes from Latin ‘ballo’, which means ‘to dance’. The word came into use in English language around 1630 from the French. Not only this, Ballet was introduced in the Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Thereafter, it spread to France and was developed even further. Earlier, the ballet performers used to wear ornamented costumes to impress the viewers. Later on, this was modified as those ornamented costumes used to restrict freedom of movement. Because of this, in 1831, the romantic tutu was created. Maria Taglioni, who is undoubtedly the most ethereal dancer of all times, was the first dancer to wear this light, transparent, vaporous and translucent skirt. And one year later, she was the first ballerina to start using the pointe shoes.

Ballet For Beginners: A Guide

Those who are new to ballet must be excited and full of questions. Usually the ballet classes follow a traditional structure and ballet is popular all over the world. Ballet class begins at the ballet barre, wherein, it starts with some exercises that include basic movements in combinations that gradually progress from simple to more complex movements, and challenges. Moving forward, most of the ballet movements are revisited, whilst adding turns, jumps, some balance and precision on the execution. For those who do not know how ballet ends, it usually ends with a reverence that expresses  thanks and appreciation to the teacher and the pianist.

Get Ready BeforeYour Class

To make the process swift, it is important to reach your class 10-15 minutes early, so that you can deck yourself up and finish your warm up before the teacher calls to barre. In order to be prepared, start with stretching, followed by strengthening exercises (abdominal and spinal) and don't forget to warm up your hips, ankles and neck.

Ballet Performers Attire

The traditional ballet attire is inclusive of ‘ballet pink’ tights, a black leotard, and pink ballet slippers for ladies, called demi pointe shoes.  It is also acceptable to wear short ballet skirts. And wool warm-up accessories for the legs and body, just at the beginning of the barre. On the other hand, men wear thicker black tights or leggings with a white fitted t-shirt or full-body tights, black ballet slippers and a dance belt. Sometimes they can also use white socks with white demi pointe shoes.

Now that you know much about ballet, it is the time to know about a few things that are considered important before starting ballet dance. 

Things To Know Before Starting Ballet

1. Ballets Past and Present

Obviously, before you start anything new, it is important to know the past and present, learn in detail about ballet, classical music, buns, tutus, and more. Ballet started back in 15th century Italy then making its way to France and was exclusively practiced by French courtiers and royals. Later on, King Louis XIV founded the Académie Royale de Danse and the King himself was a great dancer. He contributed in codifying the five positions that we know nowadays. 

2. Ballet Is Certainly Not Only For Girls  

This is a mere myth that ballet is meant for girls only. Ballet is practiced by both males and females to improve their agility, posture, and movements. Even the sportsmen opt for ballet dance to keep themselves fit and strong. 

3. Choose The Right Ballet Class For You 

Always look for a class that is tailored to your goals. It might be private lessons with some advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at these pros and cons listed below: 

Pros:

You’ll get targeted attention and feedback based on your learnings.

Your teacher can modify your classes as per your needs and ability. 

Cons:

Tailored classes are more expensive.

It may be a bit less motivating and inspiring as compared to group sessions.