Ballet As An Art Form

By Author: Cedric Grosjean
Total Articles: 60
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Ballet is a popular form of performance dance, which is thought to have originated in sixteenth century France. It is a very precise form of dance today, but it didn't start out that way as it was further developed in Italy, Russia and England for concert performances. Ballet is now performed by highly skilled dancers who have trained for many years in the art form of the dance.

The most common outfit for ballet dancers are leotards made of Lycra and tutus which have skirts usually made from a mesh like fabric. Ballet shoes are obviously an extremely important part of any ballet dancer's wardrobe. These shoes and slippers can come in various colours, including grey, black, and white. However, the most commonly worn colour is pink. Women usually wear pale pink ballet shoes and men often wear white or skin coloured ones. The reason ballet shoes are made in flesh tones is so that they blend into the dancer's skin so to give the illusion that they are dancing barefoot. It also makes the dancers legs look seamless and therefore not distracting the audience with their feet - which may move quite fast during a routine.

Pointe ...
... shoes are a form of ballet shoes used for when a dancer does pointe work. This is move performed mainly by women, and is when a dancer has to stand on the very tips of her toes. Pointe shoes are made out of the same canvas or leather that flat ballet shoes are made from, but have what is called a ‘box' at the tip of them, which is there to support the toes when a dancer is en pointe. The sole of the shoe is then supported by a shank, made of plastic, leather or layers of burlap which have been hardened with glue. This supports the whole foot whilst en pointe and therefore does not require the dancer to rely purely on the strength of their ankles and their toes, as this will weaken them. Only after years of training, and when their muscles are fully developed, does a dancer attempt to dance en pointe. They often suffer from injuries resulting from pointe work as the toes and feet are put under immense pressure. The box is padded and lamb's wool is often used to cushion the feet, but toes are easily bruised and broken when dancing en pointe. This is why a lot of training is required before a dancer attempts this form of dance. Ballet shoes were traditionally fastened with a ribbon around a dancer's ankle, and pointe shoes are still secured in this way. Flat ballet shoes, however, now sometimes make the use of a more convenient elasticated strap, which allows for more flexibility in the foot when dancing.

Ballet is a beautiful art form which many people study for years and years to master. There are very specific requirements for ballet dancers, both male and female, with regards to height, weight and coordination. Thousands compete each year to win places in the most prestigious ballet schools around the world. In these situations, regardless of the shoes a dancer wears, it is their talent that shines through in the end.

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