Ballet Information Report

This term we have been writing information reports. I wrote one about ballet. Take a look!

Ballet

Ballet is a classical form of dance performed to music of which is most commonly classical. It provides fun for the young and relaxation for the old.

Ballet was first originated in Italy during the 15th century. With the help of Catherine de' Medici, it spread to the french culture. The word 'ballet' is a french word and was borrowed into the english language around the 17th century. Back in history, the french word 'ballet' relates to the Italian word 'ballare' meaning to dance.

Girls of all ages can take part in ballet classes. From toddler classes to adult classes there'll be something to suit everyones level. Guess what? Boys can do ballet too! Many people clearly show their thoughts that boys can not do ballet by making fun of the ones who do. That is definitely not true! Boys can do ballet all they like, all they want. The world of ballet needs them!

Wearing the correct attire makes it easier for the dancers to manoeuvre around the other people in the room. Normally, for class the girls would wear ballet tights, a leotard and a repertoire skirt. However, in performances they may wear tutus, dresses and more! The boys wear a leotard, tights or shorts and socks. Both genders are also expected to wear ballet shoes although the colour of the shoe differs. Usually girls will wear ballet pink or nude coloured shoes whilst the boys wear black or white. Some girls also own pointe shoes. Pointe shoes are worn when performing pointe work which is done on the tip of the dancer’s toes. The average age for starting pointe work is around about twelve years though it may vary depending on the dance school.

A lot of dancers enjoy performing on stage, in companies or even in exams. Ballet gives many opportunities to perform. Dancers perform in competitions as solos or as a group as well as training during the year for an exam. There are many different syllabuses people take exams for such as RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), BBO (British Ballet Organisation) and Cecchetti. Each syllabus has their own style. For example, BBO is British and Cecchetti is Italian.

Ballet is a relaxing form of dance which all ages can enjoy. It is a classical, unique, one of a kind dance style, performed both professionally and just for fun.

- Sophie F