Ballet has a very long history that spans through centuries and different countries. Throughout the many years of passing down the Art of Ballet, different artistic inspirations have established different styles and techniques of ballet that are widely taught throughout the world. There are 4 main styles of ballet, and 6 different techniques that are taught within those styles. This blog will explore comparing of each of these styles and techniques, highlighting the unique elements of each.
Styles of Ballet
Classical
Classical Ballet is the earliest style of Ballet. It reached its peak in the late 19th century in France and Russia. These ballets are story-driven with intricate costumes and sets.
Characteristics: Pointe work, symmetry within the corps dancers, and gracefulness is emphasized
Examples: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker
Neoclassical
Neoclassical Ballet was derived from classical ballet, with the difference of being more abstract. It was discovered in the 1920’s, and continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. These ballets are often described as “plotless” and have a huge relationship with the neoclassical music chosen for the ballet.
Characteristics: Strong movement, athleticism, physicality, risk,
Examples: George Balanchine’s “Appollo” and Robert Joffrey’s “Astarte”
Contemporary
Contemporary Ballet takes inspiration from classical ballet, but adds elements of modern, jazz, and contemporary dance techniques. It emerged in the early 1980’s. Contemporary Ballet differs from Classical and Neoclassical ballet because it tends to have complex plots to be interpreted by the audience, but do not follow story lines.
Characteristics: Floor work, athleticism, turned-in positions, experimentation, creativity
Examples: William Forsythe’s “In the Middle”
Romantic
Romantic Ballet is similar to Classical Ballet, but adds the elements of dramatic storytelling. It emerged in the mid 19th century. The story lines often include good vs evil, beauty vs ugliness, fantasy and spirit vs realism
Characteristics: Pointe work, long flowy tutus, delicate, softness, emotion
Examples: La Sylphide and Giselle
Techniques of Ballet
French Method
History: As the basis for all ballet styles, the French method had its roots in the 17th century Académie Royale de Danse, created by Louis XIV. Rudolf Nureyev revitalised the French school in the 1980s, helping to shape ballet while adhering to the codified technique still used in modern times.
Emphasizes:
More rounded port de bras and épaulement
Fluidity
Elegant
Clean lines
Technicality and precision
Gracefulness
Clean, fast Footwork
Bournonville Method, Danish Style
History: Developed by August Bournonville, a Danish dancer who also performed with the Paris Opéra Ballet, this technique has both Danish and French influences. It's the foundation of Bournonville's many famous ballets, such as La Sylphide and Napoli.
Emphasizes:
Diagonal épaulement towards the working leg
Most rounded port de bras
Basic use of arms and upper body
Light, fast footwork
Pirouettes from a low developpé position into seconde
Fifth position bras en bas for both beginning and end movements
Ballon (the illusion of imponderable lightness)
Affiliated company: Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, Denmark
Cecchetti Method, Italian Style
History: Established by Italian master teacher Enrico Cecchetti, this technique is maintained in the U.S. by the Cecchetti Council of America, through which students and teachers can complete several grades of exams. There are planned exercises for each day, with a focus on anatomy.
Emphasizes:
Ballon
Balance
Strength
Poise
Coordination of the head and arms
Smooth transitions between steps
Eight port de bras positions
Students are encouraged to work both sides of their bodies equally.
Vaganova Method, Russian Method
History: The legendary Russian ballerina and teacher Agrippina Vaganova combined elements of French, Italian and early Russian techniques to create this method. The syllabus is broken down into eight years of training—a slow, steady, and deliberate progression.
Emphasizes:
Use of the upper body and placement of the head
Flexibility
Strength
Endurance
Affiliated company: Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia
Balanchine Method, American Style
History: George Balanchine, who trained at the Imperial Ballet School (before it was renamed the Vaganova Ballet Academy), developed a unique style that was based on his Russian roots but influenced by his adopted American home. "He didn't change the technique, but he stretched it and made it more modern-looking," says Susan Pilarre, faculty member at the School of American Ballet in New York City.
Emphasizes:
Deep Plié
Use of épaulement
Quick precise movement
Keen Musicality
Athletic dance quality
Pirouettes en dehors from a lunge in fourth position (straight back leg)
Affiliated companies: New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
History: RAD was developed in 1920 by a group of leading dance professionals, who created a series of exams to help raise the level of dance education among students and teachers. The syllabus is influenced by the Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques.
Emphasizes:
Attention to detail, particularly in port de bras and épaulement
Arms tend to be held low and rounded.
Character dance
Incorporates classical ballet
We hope this blog post gave you insight on how the Art of Ballet has been passed down through the different eras creating new influences and adaptations. Ballet has a very long history with many notable dancers and choreographers to continue to learning about and incorporating into your dance training.
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