History of Ballet and Modern Dance: Key Figures and Developments

Who brought ballet from Italy to France?

Catherine De Medici

What was the first ballet, and who choreographed it?

Comique de la Reine (1581), choreographed by Balthasar Beaujoyeulx

What significant contributions did King Louis XIV make to ballet?

He began performing at 13, established the Académie Royale de Danse (1661), and the Académie Royale de Musique (1669).

What characterized 17th century ballet?

Ballet was recognized as a viable art form and began to influence public life.

What are some key features of the Romantic Era in ballet?

Fascination with the exotic, strong emotions, and themes of mystery and the supernatural.

What innovations were introduced in ballet aesthetics during the Romantic Era?

Romantic tutus, pointe shoes, Didelot's flying harnesses, and gas lighting.

What are Willis and Sylphs in the context of Romantic ballet?

Willis are ghosts of women scorned, while Sylphs are fairy-like characters.

What was Marie Taglioni known for in ballet?

Purity and coolness, noted for her ballon, and was the first to dance on pointe for an entire ballet.

What was Fanny Elssler famous for?

Her sharp, quick footwork and her performance in La Cachucha, showcasing Spanish flair.

What are some famous Romantic ballets?

La Sylphide (1832), Giselle (1841), and Pas de Quatre (1845).

What was Marius Petipa's contribution to ballet?

He created a prominent corps de ballet, established the structure of pas de deux, and emphasized strong pointe work.

Who collaborated with Tchaikovsky on major ballet scores?

Marius Petipa, who provided detailed instructions for the music.

What was the significance of Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes?

They transformed classical ballet into a modern art form, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

What did Michel Fokine reject in his choreography?

He rejected long, disjointed ballets in favor of unified, one-act works that matched the story and emotion.

What were Vaslav Nijinsky's notable works?

L'Après-midi d'un Faune, Jeux, and Le Sacre du Printemps.

What was Léonide Massine known for in ballet?

His wit, character, and creativity, with major works like Pulcinella and Parade.

What did Bronislava Nijinska contribute to ballet?

She blended satire and structure in choreography, known for her work Les Noces.

What was George Balanchine's impact on ballet?

He combined classical technique with modern abstraction and musicality, becoming a defining figure in 20th-century ballet.

Who was Loie Fuller, and what was her contribution to modern dance?

An American pioneer of modern dance known for her Serpentine Dance and stage lighting effects.

What was Ruth St. Denis known for in modern dance?

Co-founding the Denishawn School and popularizing dances inspired by Eastern cultures.

What characterized Isadora Duncan's approach to dance?

She rejected rigid ballet technique in favor of natural, expressive movement and emphasized personal expression.

What legacy did Isadora Duncan leave in the dance world?

She influenced generations of modern dancers and helped establish modern dance as a serious art form.

What dance company did Martha Graham found?

Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926.

What is the core technique of Martha Graham's dance?

Contraction and release, based on breathing and emotional tension.

What themes did Martha Graham explore in her works?

Psychological and emotional depth, inner conflict, female experience, and mythological/historical narratives.

How did Martha Graham influence the world of dance?

She broke away from ballet's decorative nature, using dance to express raw emotion and social ideas.

What political and social themes are reflected in Martha Graham's works?

Individualism, gender, and American identity, paralleling social movements for women's autonomy and artistic freedom.

What dance company did Doris Humphrey co-found?

Humphrey-Weidman Company with Charles Weidman in 1928.

What is the core technique of Doris Humphrey's dance?

Fall and recovery, symbolizing struggle, balance, and human resilience.

What themes did Doris Humphrey focus on in her choreography?

Group dynamics, community, and human relationships, often addressing social order and collective behavior.

What significant contribution did Doris Humphrey make to dance education?

Developed a codified technique still taught today and authored 'The Art of Making Dances.'

What political and social context influenced Doris Humphrey's work?

Post-Great Depression concerns about society, cooperation, and hope, emphasizing harmony between the individual and the group.

What is a notable work by Martha Graham that reflects her themes?

Appalachian Spring or Lamentation.

What does Doris Humphrey's technique symbolize?

The arc between two deaths, representing struggle and balance.

What is a key aspect of Martha Graham's movement style?

Grounded, angular, and expressive movement.

What was one of the first major books on choreography theory authored by Doris Humphrey?

'The Art of Making Dances.'

What was the original name of the Mariinsky Ballet?

The Imperial Russian Ballet

When did the Mariinsky Ballet become state-owned?

In 1917, after the Russian Revolution

What was the Mariinsky Theatre renamed in 1935?

The Kirov Theatre

When was the name restored to Mariinsky Theatre?

On January 16, 1992

Which academy is associated with the Mariinsky Ballet?

The Vaganova Ballet Academy

Who are two famous choreographers associated with the Mariinsky Ballet?

Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov

What is the Bolshoi Ballet known for in its performances?

Dramatic, flamboyant, and expressive performances

What is a notable emphasis in Bolshoi Ballet performances?

Strong, bold male roles and grand storytelling

Name two famous works performed by the Bolshoi Ballet.

Swan Lake and The Nutcracker

Who was Jules Perrot?

A French choreographer and dancer of the Romantic era known for expressive storytelling through ballet.

What notable ballet did Jules Perrot collaborate on?

Giselle (1841) with Jean Coralli.

What is Pas de Quatre?

A famous ensemble choreographed by Jules Perrot in 1845, showcasing four leading ballerinas of the time.

What style did Jules Perrot emphasize in his choreography?

Dramatic emotion, character, and virtuosic technique.

Who was Charles Didelot?

A French ballet master and choreographer who worked in Russia.

What innovation did Charles Didelot introduce for dancers?

The 'flying' harnesses, allowing dancers to appear weightless or 'en pointe' in earlier forms.

What contributions did Charles Didelot make to ballet?

Advanced stagecraft and dramatic presentation, and helped develop the foundations of Russian ballet before Petipa's era.

What was Charles Didelot's style focused on?

Grace, elevation, and creating magical stage effects.

Who was Jean-Baptiste Lully?

An Italian-born composer and dancer who worked in France and was a key figure in French court ballet.

What was Jean-Baptiste Lully's role in the French court?

He served under King Louis XIV, combining music and dance in court spectacles.

What significant institution did Jean-Baptiste Lully help establish?

The Académie Royale de Musique (1669).

How did Jean-Baptiste Lully impact ballet?

He helped establish ballet as an integrated art form at the royal court.

What was the focus of Jean-Baptiste Lully's music?

It was structured for dance, emphasizing rhythm and elegance.