4 Different Types of Ballet Styles

Ballet is a sophisticated art form with many different types and sub-styles. While there are similarities between styles, there are also significant differences. You will grow as a dancer, become flexible, and get more physically fit regardless of the style you pick.

These are 4 different types of Ballet to explore

Classical

Classical ballets are the most traditional type of ballet. They include Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

The classical ballet begins with a warm-up involving floor work. It ends with a turn on one leg, called a pirouette. Fouettes are dance moves in which one leg is extended, and the other is bent.

Classical ballet is characterized by its vocabulary and techniques. There are numerous versions of this style, with training methods varying by country.

Neoclassical

The abstract nature of neoclassical ballet distinguishes it from classical ballet. The music of choice is also neoclassical, with composers such as Roussel and Stravinsky. George Balanchine's 'Apollo' from 1928 is frequently cited as one of the first, if not the first, famous neoclassical ballets.

It emphasizes agility and forceful motions with a risqué physicality. George Balanchine created the Balanchine technique, which is very common in the United States.

Romantic

Romantic ballet drew influence from the Romantic era and was developed throughout the nineteenth century. During this period, several identifiable characteristics of ballet, such as pointe work and tutus, arose. In its storylines, Romantic ballet stressed passion, poetry, and drama. This ballet technique resulted in more female dancers. La Sylphide is classified as a romantic ballet.

Contemporary

Contemporary ballet, on the other hand, emphasizes experimentation and creativity. It also asks the audience to think about aesthetic lines and the power of movement. Whereas classical ballet is more focused on the audience, contemporary ballet encourages audiences to look at the dancers rather than the stage. Contemporary ballet incorporates modern dance and classical techniques. It uses Pointe work in the classical style but allows the dancer to move in a relaxed, more fluid way. It also incorporates mime, acting, and setting.

Contemporary ballet uses different types of costumes. They can use anything from traditional tunics to modern costumes. It also uses a variety of music, from classical to popular.

Ballet is a form of dance that emerged in the 16th century. It was originally a performance art with no music, but it has since evolved into an art form that incorporates music, costumes, and props. At Dance Classes OC, you can learn these and other ballet techniques. It's never too late to start! Contact us today!