Ballet technique

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Ballet

Ballet Portal

Schools: French ballet; Russian ballet
Technique: En pointe; Glossary of ballet
Methods: Balanchine method; Cecchetti method; Vaganova method
Other: History; Music

Ballet technique refers to the method by which ballet steps are performed or taught. Technique may also refer more generally to a dancer's training and ability. The core technique of ballet has only minor regional variations globally. Various training methods have been devised, these produce a different physicality of performance and aesthetic results. Ballet (especially classical ballet) puts great emphasis on the method and execution of movement^[1].

Ballet technique can refer to the foundational principles and steps on which ballet steps are built. These foundational principles and steps include "pulling up" (a popular term used to describe proper posture and lifting the muscles so as to increase turnout, quantity and quality of turns, and proper alignment), posture, pointing the toe, and flexibility.

In general, referring to the execution of dance, a dancer with good technique requires good placement (or alignment), and turnout. Where alignment refers to the dancer's ability to keep the head, shoulders, and hips aligned vertically, turnout refers to the dancer's ability to complete movements with the legs rotated outward. This can be in areas such as clean footwork, graceful port de bras (carriage of the arms), and overall correct positions and lines/angles.

1 Training
2 Method
3 Illusion of flight
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Training

Young dancers receive a rigorous education in their school's method of dance, which begins when they are young and ends with graduation from high school. Students are required to learn the names, meanings, and precise technique of each movement they learn. Emphasis is put on building strength mostly in the lower body, particularly the legs, and the core (also called the center or the abdominals) as a strong core is necessary for many movements in ballet, especially turns, and on developing flexibility and strong feet and ankles for dancing en pointe.

Ballet technique is traditionally very strict because it is considered the building blocks of ballet and perfection in key principles and steps. It is encouraged strongly at a young age to build good habits and protect the dancer's muscles, limbs, bones, and health. For example, a young dancer is taught not to sickle so he or she will not break his or her ankle in the future when en pointe.

There are seven styles of training in classical ballet, the most common being Vaganova method (Russian), Cecchetti method (Italian), Imperial method (English), and Balanchine method (American). The techniques found in classical ballet are a framework for many other styles of dance, including hip hop dance, modern ballet and contemporary ballet.

For women, the typical ballet class attire includes pink, black, or flesh colored tights and a leotard (which can come in various colors and styles), with an optional short wrap-skirt. For men, the typical class attire includes tights along with a form-fitting shirt. Dancers wear soft technique shoes, often called flats during their classes. The female dancers usually wear pink or beige flats while the men wear black or white flats. Often, leg warmers (knitted tubes that vary in length from just long enough to cover the ankle to long enough to cover the entire leg) are worn during the early part of a class to protect the dancer's muscles until they become warm. During ballet class, it is usually required that women restrain their hair in a bun or other style which keeps the hair flat against the head and off the neck. The purpose of the customary dance class attire and hair style requirements is to allow the dancer freedom of movement (also does not get in the way during turns) and allow teachers to evaluate the alignment and technique of the dancer.

Only when womens ankles and feet have been strengthened, and the magority of classical tecnique has been learned to a perfect standard women begin to wear pointe shoes while men continue to wear soft shoes and learn more advanced jumps and turns. The age at which dancers start pointe work varies from student to student. Strength is paramount in being able to wear pointe shoes for extended periods of time. Premature wearing of pointe shoes or insufficient training can result in serious injuries and/or disabilities in later life.

[edit] Method

Although there are some small regional variations, the 'rules' and movement vocabulary of ballet remain the same throughout the world. The different training techniques of ballet are designed to produce a different aesthetic quality from a student. This is particularly noticeable in the high extensions and dynamic turns of Russian ballet, whereas Italian ballet tends to be much more grounded, with a focus on fast intricate footwork . For example, the Tarantella is a well-known Italian folk dance, which is believed to have influenced Italian ballet.

The most notable ballet methods are named after their originator. For example, two prevailing systems from Russia are known as the Vaganova method after Agrippina Vaganova, and the Legat Method, after Nikolai Legat. The well-known Cecchetti method is based on technique developed and taught by the Italian dancer Enrico Cecchetti (1850–1928). Another European system, based on the teaching methods of the Frenchman Auguste Vestris, was that developed in Copenhagen by August Bournonville (1805–1879). The system is taught chiefly as a tradition in Bournonville's own country of Denmark

The different methods (or schools) of ballet technique that represent the historical development of ballet. These methods include:

[edit] Illusion of flight

Main article: Ballon (ballet)

To perform the more demanding routines, a ballet dancer appears to defy the laws of physics. Basic physics and understanding of human perception provide insight into this. A high level of physical fitness is required.

For example, during the grand jeté, the dancer may appear to hover. Physically, his/her center of mass describes a parabola, as does any projectile. Observors have limited ability to reckon center of mass when a projectile changes its configuration in flight. To do this the dancer extends their arms and legs, which camouflages the fall and leads the audience to perceive the dancer is floating.^[2]^[3]^[4]

A Pas de Chat (step of the cat) creates a similar illusion. The dancer starts from a plié, then during the ascending phase of the step, quickly lifts each knee in succession with hips turned out, so that for a moment both feet are in the air at the same time, passing each other. For a moment, the dancer appears suspended in air.

The landing must be performed carefully, the dancer bends at the knees (plies) and rolls the foot from toe to heel. For artistic as well as safety reasons this technique must be taught by a qualified instructor.^[5]^[6]^[7]