16th to 18th Century Court Dancing

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in 16th to 18th-century court dancing, including historical figures, art movements, and significant developments in dance.

Renaissance

A period in Europe characterized by a revival of interest in art and learning, marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity.

Baroque

An artistic style prevalent in the 17th century, emphasizing grandeur, drama, and movement.

Ballet de cour

A court ballet that emerged during the Renaissance, combining dance with theatrical performances at royal courts.

Absolute Monarchy

A form of government where the monarch has absolute power, unbounded by laws or opposition.

Academie Royale de la Danse

Established in 1661, the first official dance academy, promoting the formal training of dancers.

Rococo

An artistic style and movement in the 18th century known for its elaborate ornamentation and playful themes.

Ballet d’Action

A style of ballet that emphasizes dramatic expression and storytelling through movement.

Minuet

A slow, graceful dance in triple time, popular in the 18th century, often performed in social gatherings.

Jean Georges Noverre

A French dancer and ballet master known for his reform ideas that emphasized emotional expression in dance.

Notation systems

Methods developed to document dance movements and choreography systematically.

religious wars

(protestants vs Catholics)- Hugenots

Balletto

generalized term for dance or choreographed piece.

baroque in 17th century

irregular pearl, exaggerated details to produce drama, tension, and grandeur. Key words- dynamic, colorful, theatrical, expressive

tenebrism

the use of light to direct your eye and focus.

pastoral

idealized rural life, often used in ballet narratives. escapism, pastures, peace, tranquility. They liked this theme because it was a way to escape reality in the chaos.

dance as political tool distract

• Lavish performances diverted attention from war, debt, and unrest.

• Dance was used to entertain and pacify the nobility.

dance as a political tool - unite

Court ballets involved nobles performing together, reinforcing loyalty to the crown.

Shared rituals and etiquette created a sense of collective identity.

dance as a political tool- display wealth and power

• Extravagant productions showcased royal magnificence.

• Dance was a visual metaphor for control, hierarchy, and divine right.

Catherine de medici

queen of france, Patron of Ballet de cour; produced Le Ballet Comique de la Reine (1581), themed on Circe 

louis XIV

sun king, Starred in Ballet de la Nuit (1653); founded Académie Royale de la Danse; formalized Versailles etiquette; left legacies in war, luxury, and colonization and was known for using dance to enhance his authority/image

jean-Baptiste Lully

composer, Developed Baroque music for court ballets, led the Académie

Pierre Beauchamps

dance master, Codified ballet technique and notation

Ballet de cour

Court ballet combining dance, music, poetry, and elaborate staging; performed by nobles to reinforce hierarchy and spectacle

Académie Royale de la Danse

1661, First formal ballet school, founded by Louis XIV to train professional dancers and elevate ballet as an art form

Academie royale de la musique 

1669, Directed by Lully, focused on opera and musical composition

academie royale de la musique et de dance

Merged institutions, became the Paris Opéra

four part suite

Allemande, courante, sarabande, gigue. A structured sequence of dances performed in social and court settings 

allemande

modern tempo, Graceful and flowing, often opening the suite

courante

fast tempo Lively and running, with intricate steps often following allemande

sarabande

slow tempo, Solemn and expressive, emphasizing elegance

gigue

very fast tempo, Joyful and energetic, often closing the suite

rococo

Artistic Style: Rococo emphasized elegance, lightness, and playful ornamentation.

Cultural Shift: Moved away from Baroque grandeur toward intimacy and charm.

Court Life: Dance reflected refined manners and flirtatious social rituals.

Patronage: Nobility continued to sponsor dance, but theatrical venues gained prominence

french revolution

• Overthrow of monarchy and rise of republican ideals.

• 🎭 Impact on Dance:

  • Court ballet lost royal patronage.

  • Theaters became more democratic and public-facing.

  • Themes shifted toward realism, emotion, and social critique.

growing problems and causes of french revolution

• Economic Crisis: Debt from wars and lavish spending.

• Food Shortages: Widespread famine and inequality.

• Enlightenment Ideas: Questioned divine right and promoted liberty.

• Class Tensions: Nobility vs. bourgeoisie and peasantry.

• Dance mirrored these tensions, evolving from aristocratic display to expressive art.

stars/ dansuers nobles

• Rise of celebrity dancers like Louis Dupré and Gaetan Vestris.

• 🕺 Danseur noble: Male dancer embodying elegance, heroism, and noble bearing.

singular art form

• Ballet began separating from opera and court spectacle.

• Emerged as a standalone theatrical genre with narrative and emotional depth.

costume innovations

• Marie Camargo shortened skirts for technical clarity.

• 👚 Marie Sallé introduced simple, flowing garments to enhance realism.

• 🎨 Costumes became tools for character and storytelling, not just decoration.

expanded technqiue

• Greater emphasis on jumps, turns, and expressive movement.

• 📐 Codified positions and steps refined by Beauchamps were expanded.

• 🎓 Training became more rigorous, with academies producing technically skilled dancers

Louis dupre

Known as “Le Grand Dupré”; master of noble style and mentor to Vestris

Gaetan Vestris

Star of Paris Opéra; elevated male technique and theatrical presence

Auguste vestris

Son of Gaetan; famed for virtuosity and longevity in performance

gardel brothers

Maximilien and Pierre; choreographers who shaped French ballet’s theatrical direction

marie camargo

Innovator in technique; first woman to perform entrechats; shortened skirts for agility

Marie Salle

Pioneer of expressive dance; emphasized character and emotion over ornamentation

Jean-Georges Noverre

Reformer of ballet; wrote Lettres sur la danse et sur les ballets (1760); championed ballet d’action

Jean Dauberval

Student of Noverre; choreographed La Fille Mal Gardée (1789), blending comedy and realism

minuet

• Most popular aristocratic dance of the century.

• 💫 Characterized by small, precise steps and elegant posture.

• 🕰 Symbolized refinement and courtly behavior.

• 🎼 Often performed in pairs, with elaborate bows and curtsies.