Romantic Ballet
The Romantic Period in ballet did not become popular until the mid 19th century. Before, ballet was strictly male, required heavy costumes and bodices, heeled shoes, and wigs and masks. Many of these practices completely flipped by this period though, like, for example, females were finally considered more important in the dance and men were mainly there for lifts and showing the frailty and daintiness of each dancer. Also, the famous tutu, a bell-like shaped skirt revealing the calves of a dancer, came to be established. Pointe shoes, satin covered ballet slippers, were introduced as well in this period of ballet.
What mainly defined the Romantic Era is the new style of ballet it evoked. Choreographers began writing in a new style, one of mystical and fairy-like qualities. The purpose of writing ballets such as this was to help society escape from reality into the dream worlds the ballets created. It was from this era that the famous Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and, probably the most popular ballet from this era that as it is continuously danced to to this day, Giselle.
Picture cited: mariebilodeau.blogspot.com
What mainly defined the Romantic Era is the new style of ballet it evoked. Choreographers began writing in a new style, one of mystical and fairy-like qualities. The purpose of writing ballets such as this was to help society escape from reality into the dream worlds the ballets created. It was from this era that the famous Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and, probably the most popular ballet from this era that as it is continuously danced to to this day, Giselle.
Picture cited: mariebilodeau.blogspot.com