Ballet means elegance and beauty. But what else does it mean? Is it really that simple? No, it’s not. There’s a hidden secret behind it that many of you don’t know yet. You may see or think that ballerinas are enjoying themselves on the stage, and of course they are, but do you know what else they are feeling? It’s not that easy being a ballerina; imagine how much they have struggled, how hard they have worked. On the bright side, they enjoy it and that’s what really matters. Come along with me and I’ll flip this book to the chapter of ‘The History of Ballet’.

Ballet began in Italy around 1500; the term ‘ballet’ came from ‘ballera’ which means dance in Italian. When Catherine de Medici of Italy married the French King Henry II, she introduced early dance styles into court life in France.

During the start of ballet, dancers would wear masks, layers upon layers of brocaded costuming, pantaloons, large headdresses, and ornaments. Such restrictive clothing was sumptuous to look at but difficult to move in. Some examples of dance steps were small hops, slides, curtsies, promenades, and gentle turns. Dancing shoes had small heels and resembled formal dress shoes rather than any contemporary ballet shoes that we might recognize today. The official terminology gradually codified in French over the next 100 years. During the reign of Louis XIV, the king performed many styles of dance. After he stopped dancing, professional dancers were hired to perform in court functions.

During this time, many instruments were developed as well. The court dances grew in size, opulence, and grandeur to the point where performances were presented on elevated platforms so that a greater audience could watch the increasingly pyrotechnic and elaborate spectacles. Why don’t we jump ahead 200 years later? Take a look at the proscenium stage at the War Memorial Opera House- the elevation of the stage and dramatic height of the curtained opening will remind visitors of this development first hand.

In the early twentieth century, the Russian theatre producer Serge Diaghilev joined together some of that country's most talented dancers, choreographers, composers, singers, and designers to form a group called the Ballet Russes. The Ballet Russes toured Europe and America, presenting a wide variety of ballets. Here in America, ballet grew in popularity during the 1930s when several of Diaghilev's dancers left his company to work with and settle in the U.S. Of these, George Balanchine is one of the best known artists who firmly established ballet in America by founding the New York City Ballet. Another key figure was Adolph Bolm, the first director of San Francisco Ballet School.

From Italian roots, ballets in France and Russia developed their own stylistic character. By 1850, Russia had become a leading creative centre of the dance universe, then as ballet continued to evolve, certain new looks and theatrical illusions caught on and became quite fashionable. Dancing en pointe (on toe) became popular during the early part of the nineteenth century, with women often performing in white clothes. Some wore bell-like skirts that ended at the calf. Pointe dancing was reserved for women only, and this exclusive taste for female dancers and characters inspired a certain type of recognisable romantic heroine - a sylph-like fairy whose pristine goodness and purity inevitably triumphs over evil or injustice.

To end, we will converse with Kyra W. Granger Potter on their opinion of ballet:

Sienna Lockwood: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this, and I can’t wait to do this interview with you. Let’s start with a simple question, do you enjoy ballet?

Kyra W. Granger Potter: Of course, I can’t wait too! I absolutely love ballet, it’s one of my favourite things to do! I wish I could perform everyday on stage. Having the spotlight on me, and looking at the audience stare into my eyes.

Sienna Lockwood: I think you’ll be an amazing ballerina, I can already imagine it. Is there anything you don’t particularly enjoy about ballet?

Kyra W. Granger Potter: Aww, thank you! Even though there are so many things that I love about this sport, it can be difficult. When I go and perform, it’s so hard because all you think about is ‘Oh no, am I going to mess up?!’ It’s not just the performances but I also struggle a lot when I go training. Of course, we do all the dance moves, practise them and all the usual stuff. However, we also do a lot of other exercises that hurt my legs and my toes making me just want to stop. Now that’s what I don’t really don’t like. I understand why I have to do so, but it’s hard and I’m sure you understand.

Sienna Lockwood: Oh, I’m so sorry. Yes, of course I understand. Why do you think you started ballet?

Kyra W. Granger Potter: It’s okay, don’t be sorry. To be honest, I don’t really remember. I started at the age of 4, but I’m not sure how I actually started. Before, it’s not something that I liked as much as I do now. My mum always wants me to do things well, so she might’ve made me do it. But I was 4 so I don’t think it really mattered to me. Or I might’ve chosen to do it myself.

Sienna Lockwood: Wow, 4! That’s a young age to start ballet. I’m sure you’ll find out one day! What level are you at? Do you think it’s hard?

Kyra W. Granger Potter: Yes, I guess it is. I hope so! I’m in level 3 and I’m doing my exam in June to go into level 4. It’s a bit nerve-racking. It is a bit hard, especially some of the barre exercises. But I think this is my favourite grade for some reason. You learn a lot more skills in level 3 and I find it more enjoyable with all these things to learn about.

Sienna Lockwood: Good luck on your exam! That must be really exciting when you have fun with all the new skills. Do you enjoy your exams?

Kyra W. Granger Potter: Thanks! Hmm, that’s a bit hard to answer. I do enjoy going there with a clean hair bun, and just me and the examiner. But, as you can imagine, I get really nervous. It’s a bit like a performance, but worse. Pass is bad, merit is ok, and distinction is the best. Of course I’m worried about getting just a pass. However, overall they are quite fun.

Sienna Lockwood: Oh yes, that does sound worrying. But I know you’re going to do amazing! That’s all for today. Thank you so much for the interview, I really enjoyed it!

Kyra W. Granger Potter: No, thank you. I had so much fun!

That’s a lot of information to take in for a skill that people think that’s easy. Looks like ballet has grown by a large amount over the years! I’m sure you can store all of that information with you. If you’re thinking of doing ballet, I wouldn’t stop you! Thanks for reading!

Written by Sienna Lockwood

Edited by Autumn Aschinger

Proofread by Hazel Emory Antler