Ballet, classical dance from Italy: what it is and how it is danced

Ballet is a formal stage dance that began in Italian Renaissance courts and developed in France and Russia. It is performed by trained dancers, often to classical music, and has influenced many other dance forms. Ballet is known for its codified technique, distinct styles, and elaborate or simple costumes depending on the era.

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Ballet began in Italian Renaissance courts in the 15th century
King Louis XIV founded the first dance academy in France in 1661
The Paris Opera Ballet was the first professional ballet company
Distinct styles developed in France, Italy, Russia, and England
Romantic ballet introduced pointe work and longer tutus

What is Ballet?

Ballet is a performance dance that uses a set vocabulary of steps and postures. It is danced by people who have trained for years, often starting as children. Ballet can be staged with elaborate costumes and scenery or with minimal design, depending on the style. The movement is precise, with an emphasis on grace, control, and expressive storytelling. Ballet is performed in theatres and is often accompanied by orchestral music.

Where does Ballet come from?

Ballet began in the courts of Italy during the Renaissance and was brought to France, where it developed further under royal patronage. King Louis XIV founded the first dance academy in 1661, which helped formalize the technique. The Paris Opera Ballet, established in the 17th century, became the first professional company. Ballet later grew in Russia, where new styles and training methods emerged. Over time, ballet spread worldwide and evolved into several distinct forms.

How is Ballet danced?

Ballet dancers use turned-out legs, pointed feet, and upright posture. Steps include jumps, spins, and lifts, often performed with lightness and control. The arms and head are held in specific positions, and the whole body is used to create lines and shapes. Dancers may perform solos or move as a group, sometimes telling a story through mime and gesture. Styles differ in how they emphasize speed, athleticism, or softness.

Ballet, drawn

The dancers A sketch of the kind of dance, not of one performance.

Solo One dancer; the path is free.

Group An ensemble in staggered rows, facing the front.

The music of Ballet

Classical ballet is usually danced to orchestral music, with composers and choreographers working closely together. Romantic and classical ballets use music written for the stage, while neoclassical and contemporary works may use a wider range of music, including modern and even rock scores. The music shapes the mood and timing of the dance, and some styles are closely linked to certain composers.

Costume and what is carried

Traditional ballet costumes include tutus for women and fitted jackets and tights for men. Romantic ballets feature longer, flowing skirts to create a soft look. Modern and contemporary ballets may use simple or minimal costumes, sometimes danced barefoot. Costumes are chosen to match the style and mood of the piece, and can range from ornate to plain.

Louis XIV dans Le Ballet de la nuit . The ballet was choreographed in 1653. It was significant because Louis XIV made his debut at court. This court ballet lasted 12 hours, beginning at sundown and lasting until morning, — Louis XIV dans Le Ballet de la nuit . The ballet was choreographed in 1653. It was significant because Louis XIV made hi. Photo: Henri de Gissey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lithograph by unknown of the ballerina Carlotta Grisi in en:Giselle . Paris, 1841. Image was scanned from the book The Romantic Ballet in Paris by Ivor Guest. — Lithograph by unknown of the ballerina Carlotta Grisi in en:Giselle . Paris, 1841. Image was scanned from the book The R. Photo: The original uploader was Mrlopez2681 at English Wikipedia ., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ballets Russes with Apollo_musagète . Dancers are Alexandrova Danilova and Serge Lifar - Apollon Musagetes 1928 (info from source) — Ballets Russes with Apollo_musagète . Dancers are Alexandrova Danilova and Serge Lifar - Apollon Musagetes 1928 (info fr. Photo: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When and where Ballet is danced

Ballet is performed in theatres for an audience, often as part of a company's regular season. Dancers train for many years, usually starting as children, and progress through a structured system of classes and exams. Ballet is taught in schools and academies around the world, and major works are often staged by professional companies.

Styles of Ballet

Ballet has several main styles, including French, Italian, Russian, English, and American, each with its own training methods. Romantic ballet features soft, flowing movement and themes of emotion and fantasy. Neoclassical ballet is more abstract, with less emphasis on story or costume. Contemporary ballet blends ballet technique with modern dance ideas, sometimes danced barefoot and with new movement vocabulary.

What Ballet means

Ballet has shaped the development of stage dance worldwide and is seen as a foundation for many other forms. It holds a special place in the cultural life of countries like France and Russia, and is recognized for its technical demands and artistry. Ballet has been revived and reinterpreted many times, and continues to evolve with new choreographers and dancers.

Questions people ask about Ballet

Where did ballet originate?

Ballet began in the courts of Italy during the Renaissance in the fifteenth century and later developed further in France and Russia.

Who performs ballet?

Ballet is performed by trained dancers, often after years of study in schools or academies. Both men and women dance ballet, and roles may be solo or in groups.

When is ballet performed?

Ballet is usually performed on stage in theatres as part of a company's season or special productions. It is not tied to specific festivals or holidays.

What are the main styles of ballet?

Main styles include classical, romantic, neoclassical, and contemporary ballet, each with its own movement qualities and training methods.

What music is used in ballet?

Classical ballets are danced to orchestral music, while modern and contemporary ballets may use a wide range of music, including modern and even rock scores.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ballet", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Ghungroo rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it describes the dance in outline: it is not a lesson. Traditions differ from one teacher, village or family to the next. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Ballet