What 3 ways ballet evolved from early ballet to contemporary?

Answer 1

"Early Ballet" could be interpreted in a number of ways. Ballet originated in the courts of the Renaissance period. It would have looked drastically different from the theatrical form of ballet (classical or contemporary) with which we are familiar today.

If 17th century ballet is as early as you want to regress, here are 3 ways that ballet has evolved: Unlike today, aristocracy and royalty were the primary performers. Performances are now much shorter. Louis XIV danced several roles in a 12-hour ballet that likely included spoken word, music, dance and pantomime. Footwear has evolved over time from a heeled shoe to slippers and/or pointe shoes. The heel was eliminated after the French Revolution and the first pointe shoes with a box didn't appear until late 19th century. The tutu also became popular for female dancers during this time.

It is a huge leap from the early ballets of the 17th century to contemporary ballet. The jump from 19th century to 20th or 21st century seems more manageable. Three notable ways ballet has evolved during this time are that programs may consist of three or four short works rather than a full evening's performance; choreography, music, and design are usually dictated by the subject matter; and the corps de ballet are a much more integral part of the ballet. Many contemporary ballet companies do not even acknowledge this hierarchy, establishing an ensemble of performers instead.