The history of ballet is a long and complex one, tracing back to the earliest Renaissance courts of Europe. Ballet as we know it today began to take shape in the Italian Renaissance around the late 15th century.
Catherine de Medici who happened to be one of the most controversial and enigmatic figures in French history made the dance even more popular in 15 century.
She was born into the powerful Medici family of Florence, Italy, and married King Henry II of France in 1533. As the queen consort of France, she played an influential role in the French court and is credited with introducing the Italian Renaissance to France.
The first official ballet academy was established in France in 1661, and ballet quickly became intertwined with French court life and high society. After that, it went all over Europe and Russia. Both rich people and regular folks liked it a lot and it became a really famous way for everyone to have fun.
Ballet reached its peak of popularity in the 19th century, thanks in large part to Romantic-era choreographers like Johannas Sebastien Bach Completes his Art of Fugue (1748), who brought new levels of emotionality and dramatic intensity to the art form.
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (1876) might be the most famous ballet music ever, and it’s still one of the most loved ballets around. In the 20th century, not as many people liked traditional ballet, because newer styles like neoclassicism and expressionism became popular. But, ballet stayed important in many countries, and lots of really important choreographers and dancers became well-known during this time. Nowadays, in the 21st century, more and more people are becoming interested in ballet again. They’re discovering how beautiful and artistic this timeless kind of dancing is.
Ballet has been enjoyed for hundreds of years by people all over the world. Its popularity keeps growing as more people see how graceful and lovely it is. Ballet is mostly about dancing, but it also uses music, drama, and visual art in it. It is often performed on a stage with elaborate costumes and lighting. The dancers often tell a story or convey a particular feeling or mood through their movements.
Ballet comes in lots of different styles, but the ones most people like are classical ballet, neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet.
Classical ballet is the oldest and most traditional kind. It’s all about really precise and controlled moves that need a lot of skill.
Neoclassical ballet is a newer kind that mixes classic and modern ballet. Contemporary ballet is the most creative and experimental type. It uses different moves and techniques that aren’t usually seen in regular ballet.
The Juilliard School of Dance – New York
The Juilliard School of Dance is one of the most respected dance schools that anyone who is interested in learning how to dance would love. It was started in 1905 by Frank Damrosch and his wife Lillian and has since then become a top learning center for teaching dancers in classical ballet and other types of dance.
What the school offers is a well-tailored program that includes everything about dance, from how to do moves correctly to learning about its history, and chances to perform even on the stage with the audience in view. Students are allowed to specialize in classical ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, or choreography.
The faculty at Juilliard is highly ranked, and many of today’s leading dancers and choreographers are alumni of the school. Besides its campus in New York, Juilliard also has campuses in Los Angeles and Chicago.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.juilliard.edu/dance)
National Ballet of Canada’s School (NBS) – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The National Ballet School of Canada (NBS) is a top-notch ballet training school known worldwide. It was created in 1959 by Celia Franca. The school offers high-level training to emerging ballet dancers who come from Canada and different parts of the world.
Situated in Toronto, Ontario, NBS offers a world-class education to students aged 12-19.
The school is known to have experienced dancers and choreographers who have demonstrated over the years that they can help students with personalized teaching that can turn transform into an expert in no time.
Besides the thorough technical training, students at NBS also learn about dance history, creating dances, chiropractic care, nutrition, and other subjects. This method of teaching makes sure that students are ready for a successful career in dance.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.nbs-enb.ca/en/home)
The Australian Ballet School – Southbank, Victoria, Australia
It is no surprise that The Australian Ballet School is one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. It is situated in Southbank, Victoria, Australia. The school is where to be if you are looking for a school that provides a world-class education in ballet to aspiring dancers from all over the globe.
Among the topics covered by the school’s curriculum, you are going to find interesting one, It is worth mentioning a few of them which happens to be among the top ones, they are classical ballet technique, pointe work, pas de deux, and character dance.
On top of the tuition fee, students also need to cover their accommodation and meals. Nevertheless, the school’s exceptional faculty and facilities make the investment highly valuable. Students who attend the Australian Ballet School can expect to achieve high levels of technical proficiency and artistic excellence.
The school has amazing records of students who graduated from the school and had been opportune to perform on the big stages including at the Australian Ballet, Royal New Zealand Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. If you are passionate about ballet and are looking for a world-class education in this art form, then the Australian Ballet School is the right choice for you.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.australianballetschool.com.au/)
The Cuban National Ballet School in Havan
La Escuela National de Danza in Havana, Cuba was established with Alicia Alonso as the founding director in 1998. Alonso, who passed on in 2019 at the age of 98 years old, is considered one of the most important figures in the history of dance.
La Escuela National de Danza offers several programs that leads to a professional dancing career.
The school has around hundreds of students enrolled and is recognized for its demanding training program.
Many famous Cuban dancers have graduated from La Escuela National de Danza, including Carlos Acosta, Ana Karina Gonzalez, Osmany Ernesto Romero Mojica, and Mirta Plasencia.
VISIT WEBSITE: (http://www.balletcuba.cult.cu/)
The John Cranko School – Stuttgart, Germany
The John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany was founded by John Cranko in 1971.
The John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany was founded by John Cranko in 1971. It is home to an award-winning ballet company and also known to have produced lots of world-renowned dancers over the years.
In the school, you are going to find a wide range of dance programs from classical ballet to modern dance. There is no gainsaying if we list out the school as one of the best out there as its history and record are enough testimonies to the claim.
If you’re looking for a top-notch ballet education, the John Cranko School is definitely worth considering!
VIST WEBSITE: (http://en.john-cranko-schule.de/)
The School of American Ballet – New York City.
The School of American Ballet – New York City. is the preeminent ballet school in the US. As it is a school founded by George Balanchine, one of the greatest choreographers in history, we are not surprised that it has grown this much. The school is a perfect place for anyone looking to become a talented dancer or improve their skill levels.
It has produced some of the most famous ballerinas in history and you too can take advantage of this offer to become one by applying for either a summer or winter program.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://sab.org/.)
Royal Ballet School – London, England
The Royal Ballet School in London is one of the world’s most celebrated centers for classical ballet training. It was founded in 1926 and its former students include some of the most iconic names in ballet.
These include Dame Margot Fonteyn, Darcey Bussell, Tamara Rojo Anya Linden, Kenneth MacMillan, Lynn Seymour, David Wall, Antoinette Sibley, Anthony Dowell, Marguerite Porter, Stephen Jefferies, Darcey Bussell, Jonathan Cope and many others.
The school provides world-class training to talented young dancers from all over the world and has a reputation for excellence that is unsurpassed.
Its facilities are second to none and it has a truly international faculty. If you want to study at the Royal Ballet School then you need to be prepared to work hard and dedication is essential.
But if you are accepted into this prestigious institution then you can be assured that you will receive the best possible training and opportunity to develop your skills to the highest level.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/discover/about-us)
The Paris Opera Ballet School – Paris, France
Since its inception under the reign of Louis XIV in 1713 by the official decree of Ballet Conservatoire, the Ballet School of the Opéra has been one of the most prestigious schools in the world for dancers.
Each year, hundreds of talented young dancers from all over the globe audition for a spot in this highly competitive school, and only a few are lucky enough to be accepted.
The curriculum at the Paris Opera Ballet School is extremely rigorous, and students must pass rigorous exams in order to progress through the levels. In addition to ballet classes, students also take courses in dance history, anatomy, and nutrition.
In this institution, Ballet education is taught in six levels and it is made open to both males and females.
The Paris Opera Ballet School is an excellent choice for aspiring dancers who want to receive top-notch training in a beautiful city like Paris.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/)
The Vaganova School – St. Petersburg, Russia
The Vaganova School is a classical ballet school in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1738 by the Imperial Decree of Empress Anna and is one of the oldest existing ballet schools in the world.
The Vaganova School has been called “the Harvard of Ballet Schools” and “the crème de la crème of ballet schools.” Renowned alumni include Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, and Suzanne Farrell.
Three Vaganova Academy graduates, all of whom would go on to become internationally renowned and recognized, began their professional dancing on the Kirov (now Mariinsky) Theatre stage: Rudolf Nureyev, Natalia Makarova, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Today’s superstars are Julia Makhalina, Faruk Ruzimatov, Diana Vishneva, and Ulyana Lopatkina are today’s stars, not only at the Kirov but with leading ballet companies around the world.
VISIT WEBSITE: (http://www.vaganovaacademy.com/A/History)
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet was founded in 1955 by Marcia Dale Weary and is known to be one of the finest in classical ballet training. It is located at 26 N. Court Street in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The school offers teachings in a full range of techniques. Each year, over $300,000 in scholarship aid is awarded to students. This approach provides an opportunity for the very best young dancers from around the world to learn from top instructors. The scholarships won’t be possible without support from individuals and organizations who are within the Central Pennsylvania community.
Still, the programs are also open to all students at all levels at a reasonable fee.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://cpyb.org/)
Bolshoi Ballet Academy
The Bolshoi Ballet was founded in 1776 by Prince Pyotr Urusov and has been recognized as one of the foremost ballet companies in the world for over two centuries.
With its numerous tours around the globe, the Bolshoi has brought Russian ballet to audiences in nearly all countries on every continent.
The company retains its preeminent position both nationally and internationally.
The renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy (BBA), for instance, has produced some of the most accomplished dancers and alumnus of recent generations, including Sergei Yurevitch Filin, Natalia Osipova, Vladimir Malakhov, Maria Kochetkova, Alexei Ratmansky, Polina Semionova and many more.
VISIT WEBSITE: (https://www.bolshoiballetacademy.com/)
Ballet Dance FAQ
Which country is best at ballet?
Ballet is considered a French art form, so France would probably be the best country at ballet. However, many people would argue that Russia does ballet better than any other country.
What are some benefits of Ballet?
There are several benefits that one can benefit in ballet. It is considered a form of exercise because it strengthens and tones your body while also improving the flexibility of the body. It’s also a great way to improve your balance and posture. Aside from the physical training benefits, it is also a way to boost your confidence level which will result in good social skill.
How long does it take to learn ballet?
According to most ballet schools, it takes approximately 9 years to complete the training necessary to become a professional ballet dancer.
This is based on the assumption that the individual begins their training at age 6. Most people who wish to pursue ballet begin taking classes around this age and continue taking classes regularly until they reach professional level dancers.
The rate at which an individual improves depends on many things such as dance talent, skill, method of instruction, etc. Instruction and practice are crucial if someone wants to become a professional ballet dancer and typically take up the majority of time spent during those 9 years.
How long it takes to learn ballet depends on a number of factors, including how frequently you practice, your natural ability and coordination, and how coachable you are.
The average person can expect to spend several years taking ballet classes before becoming proficient enough to perform relatively simple routines independently. More dedicated or talented individuals may be able to progress faster, while others may find the learning process more difficult and take longer to reach the same level of proficiency.
Regardless of your individual circumstances, however, it is important to remember that ballet is a complex art form that takes significant amounts of time and effort to master.
There are no shortcuts to becoming a good dancer; it requires many hours of hard work, dedication, and disciplined practicing.
What age is best to start ballet?
It depends on the person. For most people, around the age of 5 or 6 is a good time to start ballet. However, some people may be ready for ballet at an earlier age, while others may not be ready until they are a bit older.
The most important thing is that the person is physically and mentally prepared for ballet class and that they are eager to learn. If the child is not ready or does not want to attend ballet class, it will probably be more frustrating than enjoyable for both the child and the teacher.
Which are top 5 Best Ballet Companies in the World?
Here’s a list of the world’s top ballet companies, as well as how they interpret and promote dance in their own way.
- The Paris Opera Ballet.
- The Australian Ballet.
- American Ballet Theatre.
- National Ballet of Canada.
- Bolshoi Ballet.
Which are the best ballet companies in the US?
According to Dance Data Project the 10 BEST Ballet Companies in the US are:
- New York City Ballet
- San Francisco Ballet
- American Ballet Theatre
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
- Boston Ballet
- Houston Ballet
- Pacific Northwest Ballet
- Joffrey Ballet
- Miami City Ballet
- Pennsylvania Ballet
Which are the BEST ballet schools in the US?
According to Superprof.com the best Ballet schools in the USA include
- Joffrey Ballet School, NYC
- School Of American Ballet
- Joffrey Ballet School, Dallas
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Of The American Ballet Theater
- Cincinnati Ballet Academy
- Houston Ballet Academy
- Pacific Northwest Ballet Academy
- Colorado Ballet Academy
- San Francisco Ballet School
What are the factors to consider before selecting a Ballet school?
- Quality of teaching and professionalism
- Focus On Education
- Size Of The Class
- Suitable Tuition
- Do research to find any interesting proven track record
- Instruction Quality
- Developmental Readiness
- Disciplined Environment
- Diversity
- Program Structures
- Alumni Career Prospects
- Longevity And Reputation
