Romantic Ballet
-Caitlin Simpson
The romantic ballet period occurred in the mid 19th century mainly in Pairs in London. During this era the ideas of Romanticism that originated from art and literature influenced the themes of ballets. Many if the ideas for these ballets were the struggle between man and nature, society and supernatural, bringing the ballerina as the main focus on stage. Because the ballerina was the main focus--“pointe” became more popular. In addition, there were many other advances in ballet during this period including new costume, and new stage lighting.
During the romantic era of ballet there were many popular pieces. Giselle told a story of a peasant girl who protects her love from a group of evil spirits. In this ballet the idea of weightlessness and the beauty of Pointe were shown. Not only was Pointe a major part of this era but the Romantic Era was classified by soft, rounded arms and a forward tilt in the upper body. In addition, the new costume, the tutu was introduced for ballerinas. The tutu was a full, multi-layered skirt.
Finally, another advancement that emerged during the Romantic Era was the stage lighting was no longer by candlelight. Instead, the stage was now lit by gas lighting which allowed the crew to dim the lights for certain parts of the performance. Not only could they dim the lights, but gas lighting allowed for the creation of supernatural beings to “appear” on the stage. Along with gas lighting, directors also used wires to make it seem like their dancers were flying throughout the air.
In conclusion, the Romantic Era of ballet added many positive attributes to ballet as a whole. To me personally, the Pointe shoes and the tutu are what come to mind when the word ballet is said. Nonetheless, without the Romantic Era none of these characteristics of this form of dance would be around today. It makes me appreciate this era more because when I took ballet I was so excited when I was able to wear my own tutu and my goal was to be able to wear Pointe shoes. I also have more appreciation for the ballerinas who wore the original Pointe shoes because even though they are still not comfortable today—I’m sure there have been advancements from when they were very first introduced in the mid 19th century.
During the romantic era of ballet there were many popular pieces. Giselle told a story of a peasant girl who protects her love from a group of evil spirits. In this ballet the idea of weightlessness and the beauty of Pointe were shown. Not only was Pointe a major part of this era but the Romantic Era was classified by soft, rounded arms and a forward tilt in the upper body. In addition, the new costume, the tutu was introduced for ballerinas. The tutu was a full, multi-layered skirt.
Finally, another advancement that emerged during the Romantic Era was the stage lighting was no longer by candlelight. Instead, the stage was now lit by gas lighting which allowed the crew to dim the lights for certain parts of the performance. Not only could they dim the lights, but gas lighting allowed for the creation of supernatural beings to “appear” on the stage. Along with gas lighting, directors also used wires to make it seem like their dancers were flying throughout the air.
In conclusion, the Romantic Era of ballet added many positive attributes to ballet as a whole. To me personally, the Pointe shoes and the tutu are what come to mind when the word ballet is said. Nonetheless, without the Romantic Era none of these characteristics of this form of dance would be around today. It makes me appreciate this era more because when I took ballet I was so excited when I was able to wear my own tutu and my goal was to be able to wear Pointe shoes. I also have more appreciation for the ballerinas who wore the original Pointe shoes because even though they are still not comfortable today—I’m sure there have been advancements from when they were very first introduced in the mid 19th century.
