The technique of classical dance is a universal system of development of the musculoskeletal system and education of the dancer’s body, which formed the basis of classical dance, as well as more modern dance styles such as contemporary, modern, jazz, broadway jazz, pop-jazz, street-jazz, afro-jazz.
Classical technique studios are aimed at the harmonious development of elasticity, stability, eversion, balance, coordination, strength and endurance of the body. They include a set of exercises for the body, arms, legs and head, which give the performer’s movements ease, clarity, harmony and geometric perfection.
History of classical dance
Ballet appeared in Italy in the Renaissance (XV century) as a dance interpretation of fencing. Later, the dance was developed in France at the court of Catherine de Medici. But the emergence of ballet as a classical aristocratic art is associated primarily with the name of Louis XIV, who in his youth danced in the productions of Pierre Beauchamp and Jean-Baptiste Lully, and in 1661 founded the Royal Academy of Dance (Académie Royale de Danse). Hence the entirely French terminology used in ballet.
In the early XVIII century ballet appeared at the Russian royal court. Initially, dancers were trained by foreign choreographers – mostly Italians and French. Combining the best traditions of European classical dance with the originality of performance, Russian ballet has gained worldwide fame.
A new round in the development of ballet occurred on the eve of the First World War, again thanks to Russian dancers.
Classical dance and modern culture
Classical dance is based on traditional ballet technique and includes methods of different schools: French, Russian, Italian, Danish, as well as methods of George Balanchine and Enrico Cecchetti.
Neoclassical ballet uses the traditions of classical ballet, but in a freer manner. For example, choreographers in neoclassical ballet can use non-standard rhythms or more complex technique if it is required by the production.
Contemporary ballet is a mix of classical ballet and modern. Its technique is based on “en pointe” (dancing on the toes) and basic classical ballet movements, but at the same time, it allows you to deviate from the strict lines of the body required in classical ballet.
What to wear to classical classes?
For classical classes you need comfortable clothes that do not hide the body, but also do not constrain it: a swimsuit, jumpsuit, leggings, light ballet skirt. It is important to understand that in the classical technique classes the main attention is paid to the work of muscles, so the body should not be hidden under multi-layered, hanging clothes, otherwise the teacher will not be able to notice mistakes in the student’s work in time. It is best to wear soft ballet shoes on the feet. It is desirable to collect long hair in a bun or bun.