Ballet

In ballet, the term cover, or cover-up, refers to any clothing worn over the traditional ballet dress of a leotard and tights. Many types of clothing can be worn as cover-ups, and policies pertaining…

Ballet is relaxing to watch because the dancers are so graceful and their movements are so fluid. This type of dance is an art form, and it takes quite a bit of work to learn how to perform the moves…

In the world of ballet, extension is everything. You not only have to be able to perform full leg extensions, you also have to appear elegant and poised in the process. You must be able to extend your…

Most people think of ballet as a discipline taken up in childhood. And while most professional dancers did indeed start while still in school, it’s still possible to take up dance as an adult.…

Ballet dancers have a specific set of dancing clothes, with some ballet schools being very particular about the styles and colors of their dancers’ clothes. Many instructors prefer to have their…

Ballet flats are comfortable casual shoes that aren't just for dancing. They are a fashion staple and even top designers have borrowed the look. Whether you wear yours on the street or only in the…

Ballet is an extremely demanding art form that closely resembles an Olympic sport in terms of training and skill level required. Dancers need the body strength of a professional athlete, the mental…

Ballet flats are soft and flexible dance shoes with suede soles. Traditionally, only dancers use ballet flats. However, you can now find fashion ballet flats to wear outside with slightly thicker…

Students of all ages can take up ballet performance and instruction. While ballet is sometimes seen as something that is started in childhood and adolescence, it is possible to start as an adult. What…

Whether you are a ballerina by heart or by trade, make a ballet bunbender. Bunbenders are used to quickly form a tightly, knotted bun similar to the buns used by ballerinas. Instead of taking time to…

Ballerinas wear out two to three pairs of point shoes each week. Pointe shoes -- also called toe shoes -- allow ballerinas to dance on the points of their toes, which is a skill that requires years of…

Most girls can’t wait to get en pointe, to glide across the stage effortlessly and ethereally. However, pointe work is a demanding taskmaster. Before a dancer goes en pointe, she must be…

Dancers have to practice outside of class to perfect their technique. Studios can usually be reserved after hours, but many dancers cannot avoid private rehearsal time in addition to classes. A home…

Ballet music conductors guide an orchestra or group of singers during ballet performances. Music conductors use gestures to communicate a desired tone, tempo, phrasing, pitch and volume to lead a…

The New York City Ballet one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world. It is also extremely inclusive, and virtually all their dancers are recruited internally from within their own School…

A ballet shrug is a garment worn over a dancer's leotard. A cross between a vest and a shawl, the shrug only covers the upper half of the torso, can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved, and is usually…

Dance costumes can be expensive, especially if you are purchasing them for children who will likely grow out of them in a few years. Sewing dance clothing from scratch is an effective way to minimize…

When studying ballet, one of the first things you'll learn is how to balance. When you look at world-class ballet dancers during their performances, they are, at any given moment, totally balanced.…

Lifting with your hamstrings is an effective way to master proper form in ballet. Although standard leg exercises are necessary and your quad muscles are sure to enlarge, lifting your body upwards in…

Even though a ballet dance doesn't incorporate large, flashy moves, it can still be a beautiful exposition of grace and poise. A simple ballet dance, ideal for beginners or young dancers, highlights…

Stamps, ink, fabric paint, brushes and even some glitter are essential tools for decorating your ballet tote. Stamps and fabric paint are the easiest ways of decorating your ballet tote. Stamps in an…

Becoming a better ballet dancer calls for adhering strictly to a proper diet and using cross training techniques to support the various muscles that ballet dancers use to demonstrate their skills.…

Few things can seem more cultured than spending an afternoon with “Giselle” or hours weeping over “Romeo and Juliet” pirouetting the daylight away. However, with the recent…

"Pure expression of our roots, that convert themselves into reality though the sentiment of a great lady": with these words the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano was consecrated, founded by Amalia…

In the midst of a ballet performance or class, things happen. Dancers jump, leap, twirl, sweat and sometimes rip their tights. If you happen to look down and discover a run, rip or tear in your…

A ballet valance is a window treatment that features the silhouettes or shoes of ballet dancing over a field that looks like a dancer's skirt. This style of valance is available in many colors to…

Jazz and ballet are two different styles of dance; ballet is a classical and more formal style, while jazz is more relaxed and informal. However, jazz is influenced by a lot of ballet technique as…

Classical ballet dancers work for opera and ballet companies, musical theaters and production companies. They often learn their craft at a young age, then study dance and theater at universities.…

A full-scale ballet production can employ hundreds of dancers. Each dancer needs a costume, and some costumes are more involved than others. There are lead roles in every ballet that require special…

Students who are new to ballet learn the basic elements of a piqué passé, but it takes time and concerted effort to completely master the step. The piqué (pee-KAY), or "prick,"…

Classical ballet has its roots in Renaissance Italy, but truly flourished under King Louis XIV in France in the 1600s. For this reason, most classical ballet terminology is in French. Even today,…

From the moment you walked into your first ballet class, you began preparing for multiple turns. The stretching and conditioning you have done before and after every class, the slow and deliberate…

Dancers spend considerable time improving and fine-tuning their leap technique. As a dancer leaves the floor, a stretched or pointed foot helps power her jump. At the height of her leap, she creates…

Ballet, a form of dance that demands fast and skilled footwork with a lack of effort and graceful movements, comes in different forms and has a number of influences, each form bringing new elements to…

Arabesque is the name of a position in classical ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg and extends the other leg behind her. As she faces forward, she also extends the arm on the same side as…

Ballet requires commitment and a great deal of self-discipline. Even dancers who regularly attend ballet classes find that practicing on their own time helps to reinforce what they have learned in the…

Ballet routines are used in ballet classes to teach and practice ballet steps. Many of these routines are done at the barre, beginning with pliés and working up to grand battements (pronounced…

The short, gauzy, ruffled skirt known as the tutu is synonymous with ballet, and has been associated with this unique form of dance for more than a century. From children's ballet recitals to…

The tutu is one of the most recognizable symbols of classical ballet. It is, much like the pointe shoe, something young dancers dream of being able to wear. There are many styles of tutus and tutus…

Fashion designers are responsible for creating fresh, forward-thinking fashion, but their own wardrobes tend to be a little more predictable. Simple, basic pieces easily combined dominate many…

Turns are a staple element of a ballet dance. The basic ballet turn that is typically taught initially in dance classes is called a "chaine turn." This turn is often used in dances and forms the basic…

The arch of the foot is a critical area for a dancer. Strengthening the arch of the foot will likewise enhance your dancing technique and skill level. It can also help you to become less prone for…

Classical ballet stresses technical form and line and restricts emotional content. Classical ballet follows a number of different styles. Among the most common are the Cecchetti, or Italian,…

The human foot has long been a thing of beauty and contradiction for artists. The contradiction of the foot is evident when the artist observes the size of feet in comparison to the rest of the body;…

A ballerina tutu usually consists of a snug bodice and several layers of tulle fabric gathered tightly in a frilly dance skirt. The stiffness of the tulle layers of a tutu depends upon the tulle. Get…

Fouette turns are one of the most demanding turns in the classical ballet repertoire. Beginning them without proper practice and training is not advised. However, for the experienced student, a…

Arabesque art is "an art of intricate, repetitive and symmetrical patterns of intertwined lines," according to the Spain Then and Now website. Arabesque works typically are from one of two forms. The…

Dancers of every style -- ballet, jazz, tap, modern, salsa, hip hop -- subject the arches of their feet to constant pressure. When a dancer rises onto the balls of her feet, turns or pushes off from…

Ballet dancers aim to execute smooth, seemingly effortless weight transfers. The jete (zhuh-TAY) is a basic ballet step that involves transferring the weight from one leg to the other. Dancers can use…

Leg warmers have been a wardrobe staple of both professional and amateur dancers since the advent of Ballet dance centuries ago. Today, they are not only used in ballet class but in other styles of…

Standing on your toes in ballet is not one of the easier pursuits to undertake. It takes endurance, strength and persistence to accomplish such a feat. Leg, ankle, foot muscles and even the achilles…

Many little girls dream of growing up to become like the demure professional ballerinas that they have encountered on television or in movies. In reality, becoming a professional ballerina requires a…

Dancers pay a lot of attention to their feet. In ballet and modern, dancers constantly seek to improve their arches and insteps. The arch is the curved structure on the bottom of the foot, while the…

Ballet dancers must have strong core muscles in addition to a wide range of flexibility. Having a flexible back is an important component for the dancer and it must be maintained. While upper body…

Most ballet schools have a strict dress code: leotard, tights and ballet shoes. While some schools simply require a specific color of leotard, others specify the exact color and model of leotard for…

The foot is a very complex structure, containing 26 bones as well as numerous muscles and ligaments. From their very first battement tendu, ballet dancers learn how to properly work the foot,…

Classical ballet developed in 15th century Europe in the courts of France and Italy. Over the centuries, teachers and choreographers have standardized the movements of ballet to facilitate the further…

Because of the nature of their craft, ballet dancers spend a great deal of time thinking about -- perhaps even obsessing over -- their arches. Some women are blessed with naturally high arches, which…

The Nutcracker is a staple of the classic ballet repertoire. With choreography by Russian ballet master Marius Petipa and a score by equally famed Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the ballet has…

Basic dance attire is required in most studios, although color choices are usually up to the new dancer's preference. Aside from the basic ballet supplies, remember to dress in warm-up wear at the…

The study of ballet offers children and adults many psychological and physical benefits. Self-confidence, combined focus and concentration and integration of mind and body are a few psychological…

Many people like to dress babies in fancy or fanciful outfits for photos. But selecting a pose when your baby is sporting a tutu can be a challenge because of the bulk of the tutu and because infants…

When building your own ballet barre, also known as the fluidity bar, ballerina bar or stretch bar, the first thing you need to ask is if you want it to be permanently mounted or portable. Either way,…

When you dance ballet, you need to pull long hair back tightly into a bun. If you leave long hair loose and flowing, it will distract you and get in your way as you dance. Even dancers with short hair…

Ballet foot exercises can help improve your general stability and the fluidity of your movement. See ballet foot exercises with help from a creative director for a dance studio in this free video…

A few ballet exercises can help build strength in your legs, which can be a great way to exercise and stay fit. Strengthen your leg with ballet exercises with help from a creative director for a dance…

Ballet dance exercises involve techniques like echappe a terre and echappe saute, among others. Learn about ballet dance exercises with help from a creative director for a dance studio in this free…

The ballet bar, often called a barre, has been used in ballet training since the 19th century for fundamental strength and flexibility exercises. AboutBallet.com says, "This waist high bar allows the…

Most dance studios that teach ballet offer classes for adults, but now, high-profile ballet academies offer them as well. They all have different policies and prices. Most schools offer classes for…

The magical world of the ballet has enthralled audiences for hundreds of years. From the intricate steps of the ballerinas to the most majestic leaps of the male dancers, ballet requires great…

The summer months provide ballet students with the opportunity to develop their abilities and grow ever-closer to the elusive dream of a professional ballet career or one day owning a ballet company.…

It is never too late to start dancing ballet for recreational purposes, but those pursuing a professional career in ballet should start no later than their teens. Determine the best age to start…

To develop audience-friendly programming and effective marketing in a competitive arena like ballet, you must know your target audience's likes, dislikes, and habits. Collecting this data can be both…

Many young children dream of becoming ballet stars. Games allow kids to explore this fantasy by dressing up as ballerinas, choreographing dances and practicing steps. If they have access to a…

Ballet dancers follow strict fitness and workout regimes that make them among the strongest, fittest, and most agile dancers in the performing arts. The ballet stability bar, known as the barre, is a…

Ballet Folklorico is a traditional Mexican folk dance coming out of the towns and villages, rather than from what is performed on Mexican stages. Various groups of dancers, typically from the…

Classical ballet is an extremely demanding physical activity. Whether you are studying in preparation for a professional career or pursuing classes for personal enrichment or physical fitness, regular…

The tutu has taken on many shapes, weights and fabrics over its history and is universally recognized as an icon in the world of ballet. The full circle silhouette is a technical wonder, and today's…

In ballet, poise and grace are essential for success. Costume malfunctions are not a worry dancers want to have during a performance, so wearing clothes that do not hinder them and also help them to…

Proper ballet attire traditionally includes pink tights, a black leotard and ballet slippers or pointe shoes. Find out how to dress for a ballet class with helpful information from a professional…

Ballet dancers maintain a healthy diet of carbohydrates, lean proteins and fresh produce for optimum energy and nutrition while staying trim. Understand the importance of eating healthy as a dancer…

There are a number of different ballet hairstyles, but the most important aspect is to keep the hair secure and out of the face. Securely tie the hair into a bun or twist for ballet with helpful…

A great way to strengthen the calf muscles as a dancer is to use a Thera-Band, a thick elastic band used for resistance training. Find ways to increase calf strength with helpful information from a…

Classical ballet is a dance form that originated in Italy in the 15th century. The tutu is the traditional costume of classical ballet, though the original costume of the dancer bears little…

New York City is home to some of the nation's most renowned and competitive ballet academies. These schools offer pre-professional training for serious dance students, as well as children's programs,…

You have just gotten home from ballet class and your daughter is bouncing with joy because her beautiful new costume for the recital is finally here. As you open the bag, her excitement grows and her…

The arabesque ballet technique is fairly difficult and usually not taught until the dancer's third year of training. Find out how to do the arabesque in ballet from a professional dancer in this free…

A ballet bar is used by dancers to practice poise and balance and increase flexibility. Dance classes typically begin at the ballet bar for stretching and balance exercise. The bar is a vital part of…

The Nutcracker ballet is a Christmas favorite that follows a young girl's journey through a dream world of toy soldiers, fairies, princes, vicious mice, and of course, a very charming Nutcracker. The…

Ballet tutus have taken on a variety of different forms over the years. Learn the different styles of ballet tutus from a professional dancer in this free video on ballet.

The Ballet Folklórico is a Mexican ballet ensemble and major fixture of Mexican fine arts. This ensemble has a long and rich history.

World famous ballet companies such as the American Ballet Theater, the Joffrey Ballet and The Royal Ballet School hold summer intensives for serious ballet students. Potential students must audition…

Barbie starred in her own version of the Nutcracker Suite, dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy, in "Barbie in the Nutcracker." In reality, The New York City Ballet danced the roles in the Barbie…

The Bolshoi Ballet has been a symbol of culture for more than 200 years. In its early years, the company competed with the Kirov Ballet for prominence in Russian ballet.

The Ballet Folklorico is one of the fine artistic traditions of the Mexican culture. It was founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernandez. Her passion to capture and recreate the a…

The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, or Mexico Folkloric Ballet, has been performing colorful interpretations of Mexican folk dances to audiences around the world for the past five decades. The troupe's…

Ballet bars are an essential component of dance. Dancers use ballet bars for the extra support that allows them to perfect their technique. Having a ballet bar at home gives the dancer an edge. Not…

Ballet classes usually require a dress code that consists of pulling the hair back in a tight bun and wearing a black leotard, pink tights, sometimes a ballet skirt and pink ballet shoes. See the…

To encourage kids to be involved in ballet, bring them to many live performances, support their lessons and teach them about the various jobs within the ballet performance world. Offer emotional…

Ballet lessons can benefit children by offering a creative outlet, providing healthy physical activity and opening up job opportunities for the future. Discover the benefits of kid's ballet with…

In children's ballet, the sur le cou-de-pied is a great exercise for balance, control and strength. See how children perform the sur le cou-de-pied exercise with helpful information from an…

Repetition is important for children learning ballet, because they must learn the steps both intellectually as well as physically. Find out who children can teach their muscles the proper ballet…

A kid's ballet lesson includes port de bras, which means carriage of the arms, and it is a graceful movement of the arms through the different ballet positions. See a port de bras demonstration with…

Children learn during ballet lessons that a tendu is an extension through the food, and the foot should slide gracefully from the heel, through the ball of the foot and to the toes. See a tendu…

When children take ballet lessons, parental involvement is crucial to offer emotional support as well as to be available for performances and lessons. Understand the importance of parental support for…

The Ballet Folklorico de México is the preeminent performing arts group of Mexico, and one of the world's most famous and popular dance troupes.

Ballet is a system of dance first codified in France more than 400 years ago. Ballet dancers use a series of stylized movements to convey emotions and/or a story. During classes, ballet dancers…

In ballet, one of the most important forms of preparation is what you wear. Leg warmers prevent injury and keep ankles and joints warm. By properly dressing with leg warmers, you can also achieve a…

Ballet classes should be started very young for dancers that want to be professionals, with many classes a week working toward point work. Consider taking an adult ballet classes for fun and exercise…

Ballet moves and movements are all named in French and should be graceful yet strong, working from a turned out position of the hips. Learn to do an arabesque in ballet with instructions from an…

In most ballet studios, dancers will wear a black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes, with the hair pulled back. Male ballet dancers often wear thick tights, a T-shirt or tank top and black…

The benefits of ballet include improving strength, flexibility, grace, poise, self-esteem and knowledge of an art form and body movement. Teach young children the benefits of ballet dancing and…

Becoming a ballet teacher requires years of dance classes and dance training, knowledge of anatomy, understanding of age-appropriate ballet lessons and a love of children and the art of ballet.…

Common foot problems related to ballet dancing include bunions, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, corns, blisters and callouses. Prevent some foot issues from ballet by keeping the toenails short…

When executing ballet movements, keep the weight of the body through the balls of the feet, knees straight, hips tucked under, stomach pulled in tight, shoulders down and chest open. Imagine a line…

People with flat feet can ballet dance provided that their feet are strong with help from a variety of exercises dancers use to create a healthy arch and general foot strength. Practice rolling onto…

A ballet barre (or bar) is an essential piece of equipment for serious dancers. The bars are placed in front of or across from mirrors so dancers can see themselves practice and correct and adjust…

Ballet is a form of dance using highly stylized movement to tell a story or convey emotions. Most ballets are stage productions performed at specific times by companies organized for this purpose.…

Ballet is a demanding art form and takes years and years of practice. Every dancer needs to work on basic technique and balance on a daily basis. Having a ballet barre to work with will help a dancer…

Some of the most prestigious ballet companies and schools hold summer ballet school, or intensives, each year to train upcoming aspiring ballerinas and sometimes identify apprentices and company…

Ballet is a form of dance that has been appreciated in Europe since the 15th century. The ballet tutu adds beauty and style to a female dancer's costume. The movement of the tutu's many layers of…

Ballet dancers have experienced foot problems since the first dancer squeezed her foot into a pointe shoe. The combination of several factors, such as repetition of certain dance exercises, as well as…

If a person has weak ankles or flat arches, ballet is considered to be one of the best exercises for the feet and ankles. It stretches the muscles of the feet, and it can even strengthen the arch of…

Pointe work is extremely tough on your toes. However, there are ways to protect your toes to prevent blisters, callouses and other deformities. One such way is wrapping your toes before dancing. It's…

In ballet, jete means to jump or leap, and grand simply means big, so a grand jete is a big leap. If you've seen a ballet performance, chances are you have seen beautiful grand jetes, done by both…

Whether you have just started taking ballet, or are trying to help your child practice before the big recital, chaines turns are basic two step turns performed in almost every ballet combination.…

Professional ballet dancers often seem to have inhumanly curved feet. For many people, "pointed toes" means simply that: moving the toes only so that they point downward. For ballerinas, however,…

An Arabesque works your lower back and legs, and is very helpful in learning proper ballet posture. Before you practice an Arabesque, you may want to refer to the series of eHow articles that outline…

Every young ballet dancer dreams of the day when she auditions for the ballet company she aspires to. Unfortunately, ballet companies are very competitive. Auditions can be very stressful on a dancer.…

Pirouettes are very popular and well known in the art of ballet. They are graceful moves that can actually be tricky at first but with practice you can perform one with the grace and ease of an…

You've always wanted to study ballet and have finally signed up for a class, or maybe your child just started ballet and doesn't quite look like a dancer yet. Either way, there are things that you…

Find the best ballet class studio for your kids in this free video clip from a professional ballet dancer.

Enrolling your child in ballet? Learn about ballet classes and competition teams in this free video clip from professional ballet dancers.

Want to enroll your kids in ballet? Learn how to find ballet shoes, leotards, and tutus for children in this free video clip.

Thinking of starting your kid in ballet? Get tips about price rages for ballet classes in this free video clip from a professional ballet dancer.

Looking for the best ballet dance instructor? Learn what to look for in picking a professional ballet dancer to teach your kids in this free video clip.

Looking for the best ballet dance instructor? Learn what to look for in picking a professional ballet dancer to teach your kids in this free video clip.

Enrolling your child in ballet? Learn the best age to begin ballet classes and lessons in this free video clip from a ballet instructor.

Lots of girls enroll in ballet classes with grand dreams of becoming ballerinas and dancing on their toes like a princess out of some fairytale. However what most people don't realize is it takes…

Learn techniques on how to put a ballet routine together in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do reverence ballet movements for ballet dancing beginners in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do a pique ballet movement for ballet dancing beginners in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do small jumps, both saute and echappe in ballet in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do ballet chain movements in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do a ballet chasse for ballet dancing beginners in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do a glissade in ballet, for ballet dancing beginners in this free dance lesson video.

Learn how to do ballet stretches for ballet dancing beginners in this free dance lesson video.

Ballet is an extremely challenging fitness activity. It really should be considered a sport. Fouette turns are the most difficult turns in ballet and thus take a lot of practice and years of training.…

Ballet is very difficult, it takes a lot of training and practice to learn and perfect. Pique turns are one of the simplest turns and are used in several combinations. Here is how to do pique turns.

Ballet dancers make big jumps look so graceful, but that's because they know jumping techniques. With a few pointers you can perform your jumps with grace. Read on to learn how to perform jumps in…

Ballet moves have slipped into traditional workout programs over the last few years. This is because ballet is all about strengthening the body and toning muscles. You can create your own ballet work…

Ballet dancers are disciplined in many aspects of their life. Living like a professional ballet dancer does not come over night, it is a process that is developed over years and years of training and…

You've been rehearsing for months, and the day of your ballet recital has finally come. There are a lot of things to remember as you prepare for this big event, and you certainly don't want to forget…

Ballet dancers perform many types of turns in their routines, including chaines, piques and pirouettes. To make the turns work, you must develop proper form and technique. Once you have mastered…

Attending a ballet performance can be a fun and culture rich experience. View a ballet put on by a local or traveling ballet company. Go to an early ballet and have dinner after for a full evening of…

When taking a ballet class, you will perform exercises involving the degage during both barre work and center-floor combinations. It is important to learn this basic ballet movement early on in your…

Practicing basic ballet moves is helpful for performers interested in contortion. Basic ballet moves are also helpful for many types of performers because ballet is the foundation of all other dance…

It'll take years of ballet training before you're ready to perform a fouette, but mastering this move will pay off. Performing a series of fouettes almost always causes the audience to erupt into…

Ballet is beautiful to watch, whether you're enjoying a televised performance or attending a live show. If you've ever wondered how to perform certain ballet moves, you'll enjoy learning the tendu.…

Every introductory ballet class will cover the pique. It's necessary to master this basic ballet move before attempting more complicated ones. If you're the parent of a ballet dancer or you simply…

Bourree is a classical ballet movement in which the dancer glides across the floor on pointe or releve with tiny steps. The formal ballet term for this movement is "pas de bourree couru." Here's how…

Rond de jambe in ballet is a movement in which the leg is making a circular movement. It's a great exercise to work the hips and to practice your turn out. There are several different ways to do a…

Classical ballet is all about the point in your toes, lifted arms, positioning of the head and the turn out of the legs. In classical ballet your legs are almost always turned out. When your legs are…

Grand battement en cloche may sound technical and impossible to do, but don't let the classical ballet terminology intimidate you. Grand battement is a controlled high kick and en cloche is referring…

Fondu is a classical ballet movement meaning "melted." Basically its a movement that lowers the body by bending on one leg. It is a fluid and graceful movement that is incorporated throughout a…

During a neoclassical ballet dance performance, you will see just about every ballet movement performed to technical perfection. You probably don't realize that you see the "releve" movement being…

The arabesque is one of the most used positions in ballet dancing and one of the most beautiful if performed correctly. Beginning ballet students are always anxious to learn how to do an arabesque. If…

An attitude in a classical ballet is not a reference to the disposition of a ballerina but it's a term for a classical ballet movement. Put simply, it's an arabesque with the lifted leg bent. An…

Modern ballet began in France in the 16th century. King Louis XIV, a passionate dancer, created many of the steps that make up the core of classic ballet technique. Knowledge of ballet is essential to…

A plie is one of the basic moves in ballet. There are 2 types of plies--demi and grande--and they can be done from any of the 5 basic ballet positions.

Ballet has expanded in recent years, with some companies moving out of the purely classical form. As a result, body type has become less of a concern for skilled dancers. However, even with ballet's…

Indianapolis is still mourning the loss of professional dance company Ballet Internationale, but that doesn't mean you can't see a ballet performance in Indiana's capital city. Here's how to go to the…

Part of ballet dancing is the warm up and stretching, which is typically done at the "barre." The barre is the wall-mounted bar or bars that run horizontally along the wall. Some serious dancers even…

Ballet is the basis for most all other forms of dance. Therefore, there is no wonder that the study of ballet is very popular in the world of fine arts. Whether you are a novice dancer or an avid fan…

Many boys and young men are involved in ballet performances. Buying a ballet costume for boys may be a bit more challenging than for girls. Be diligent in your search, use some creativity and you'll…

Part of the fun of taking ballet classes is being able to wear a costume. Often a dance instructor will take care of ordering the costumes, but other times they leave it up to the parent. The search…

The proper attire for practicing ballet is essential to mastering the poise and graceful forms required in this demanding art form. The way you dress for ballet will be determined as much by the…

The success of any exercise routine relies upon your enthusiasm for it. If dance is a passion of yours or if you have an ear for classical music, a ballet workout routine may be just the thing to help…

The ballet is deeply rooted in tradition. The costume most of us associate with ballet--the tutu--is a fairly recent invention, dating to the 19th century. You don't need to travel any farther than…

In any performance, costume plays an important role. With ballet, the dancer's hair is just as important as the rest of her attire. Hair accessories for ballet practice and performance can provide an…