What did ballet dancers first wear?

Answer 1

Ballet dancing appeared in Western Europe and mainly in Italy and France. The first known performance took place in Milan and soon ballet became the favourite pastime of royal families. In the beginning of its history ballet consisted from Folk Dancing, acrobatics, singing and playing music. At that time there were no clothes designed for dancers so they had to perform in regular garments which were not suitable for exercising some acrobatic elements.

By the end of the 17th century ballet dancing had become a professional occupation. Ballet dancers were no longer viewed as royal court entertainers but as professional artists. Ballet gradually moved to theatres and soon the first ballet academy was founded - the Academie Royale de la Danse patronised by Louis XIV of France. At the same time the first opera theatre was opened in Paris. Ballet became more codified and incorporated new turns and pirouettes which made women expose legs when dancing. It was against existing moral principles so female dancers had to wear special drawers as ballet dancers tights were not invented yet.