The Age of Reform
Near the beginning of the 18th century, ballet finally began to shape into the dance as we know it today. Although many restrictions still applied, steps to renovation began. For example, a women by the name of Marie-Anne de Cupis de Carmargo was the first dancer to wear actual ballet slippers instead of a heeled shoe. She also wore the first ballet tights and skirt that reached her ankles. However, men still dominated the dancing world and women were still forbidden in many areas in Europe to dance.
Another important change that occurred in the art of dance during this time was that many dance instructors encouraged dancers to learn the anatomy and sensitivity to the art. This is when masks began to be used less and less and dancers could actually make their own expressions on stage. This is when the meaning of dance became more expression of self and more passionate for the dancer rather than merely putting on a show.
Picture cited: http://www.coreofculture.org/ballet.html
Another important change that occurred in the art of dance during this time was that many dance instructors encouraged dancers to learn the anatomy and sensitivity to the art. This is when masks began to be used less and less and dancers could actually make their own expressions on stage. This is when the meaning of dance became more expression of self and more passionate for the dancer rather than merely putting on a show.
Picture cited: http://www.coreofculture.org/ballet.html