Ballet: From Italy to New York
Ballet, derived from the Italian word ballare (to dance), began during the Renaissance around the sixteenth century. Catherine de Medici of Italy introduced the art as entertainment to French nobility after marrying French King Henry II. The dancers wore masks, layers of bulky garments, and small heels resembling dress shoes. Additionally, their movement was characterized by elegant jumps, curtsies, and promenades. By 1850, ballet had spread and flourished in Russia, where new aesthetics and theatrical illusions were developed for the art. Dancers wore the the romantic tutu (white, calf-length skirts), which shortly evolved into the classical tutu (shorter and stiffer) in order to highlight the intricate footwork. They also danced “en pointe” (on toe) became more prevalent to portray the image of pristine, fairy-like heroines that we see now. Additionally, Russian ballet dancer and choreographer Marius Petipa's Swan Lake encompassed classical ballet in its grand...