4.1 The Rise of Romantic Ballet

The Romantic ballet era transformed dance in the early 19th century. It brought ethereal themes, pointe work, and expressive storytelling to the stage. These changes reflected broader artistic and social shifts, emphasizing emotion, imagination, and the supernatural.

Romantic ballet introduced key figures like Marie Taglioni and innovative works such as "La Sylphide" and "Giselle." It revolutionized technique, costuming, and staging, leaving a lasting impact on ballet's evolution and setting the stage for future dance forms.

Romantic ballet: Key characteristics and innovations

Aesthetic and thematic elements

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• Romantic ballet emerged in early 19th century focused on emotion, imagination, and supernatural
• Emphasized ethereal qualities with ballerinas portraying sylphs, spirits, and otherworldly beings
• Incorporated elements of folk dance and national character dances reflected growing interest in exoticism and cultural diversity
• Choreography emphasized fluid, graceful movements and expressive mime conveyed narrative and emotion
• Lighting techniques created atmospheric effects (moonlit forests, misty landscapes) enhanced supernatural themes

Technical and costume innovations

• Introduced romantic tutu, calf-length diaphanous skirt allowed greater freedom of movement
• Pointe work became central feature with ballerinas dancing on tiptoes created illusion of weightlessness
• Developed new staging techniques and machinery enabled more elaborate productions
• Utilized gas lighting improved visibility and created atmospheric effects

Choreographic and stylistic developments

• Emphasized narrative and emotional expression through movement
• Incorporated elements of pantomime and gesture enhanced storytelling
• Developed pas de deux (dance for two) as a central choreographic element
• Created new vocabulary of steps and positions expanded technical repertoire
• Emphasized graceful, flowing movements contrasted with previous era's more rigid style

Romantic ballet: Major figures

Pioneering dancers and choreographers

• Marie Taglioni revolutionized ballet technique with ethereal style and mastery of pointe work
• Filippo Taglioni, Marie's father, created "La Sylphide" one of earliest and most influential Romantic ballets
• Jules Perrot, renowned choreographer and dancer, created numerous Romantic ballets and contributed to development of pas de deux
• Fanny Elssler popularized character dances within Romantic ballet known for dramatic flair and technical virtuosity
• August Bournonville developed distinct style of Romantic ballet emphasized male dancers and preserved many Romantic-era works

Influential performers and creators

• Carlotta Grisi, original Giselle, exemplified Romantic ballerina ideal and inspired many subsequent dancers
• Lucile Grahn, Danish ballerina, known for her lyrical style and interpretations of Bournonville's works
• Arthur Saint-Léon, choreographer and dancer, created "Coppélia" and developed new notation system for dance
• Paul Taglioni, brother of Marie, choreographed numerous ballets and contributed to development of Romantic style
• Théophile Gautier, critic and librettist, wrote scenario for "Giselle" and significantly influenced aesthetics of Romantic ballet through his writings

Social and cultural influences on Romantic ballet

Artistic and philosophical movements

• Romantic movement in literature and art emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism provided philosophical foundation for Romantic ballet
• Nationalism and interest in folk culture inspired incorporation of national dances and characters (mazurka, tarantella)
• Fascination with exotic cultures and distant lands influenced themes and settings of ballets (Middle East, India)
• Growing interest in folklore and fairy tales provided source material for many Romantic ballets ("La Sylphide," "Giselle")

Socio-political factors

• Political upheavals (French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars) led to desire for escapism and fantasy in arts
• Industrial revolution and urbanization created nostalgia for nature and rural life reflected in pastoral settings of many Romantic ballets
• Rise of middle class and changing social structures led to new audiences for ballet influenced themes and presentation
• Changing status of women in society reflected in elevation of ballerina to position of prominence and adoration

Technological advancements

• Advances in stage technology (gas lighting, improved machinery) enabled more elaborate and atmospheric productions
• Development of new pointe shoes allowed for more extended and technically demanding dancing on toes
• Improvements in textile manufacturing led to creation of lighter, more diaphanous costumes enhanced ethereal aesthetic

Romantic ballet's impact on dance evolution

Technical and stylistic legacy

• Established ballerina as central figure in ballet influenced gender roles in dance for generations
• Development of pointe technique laid foundation for technical virtuosity of classical and neoclassical ballet
• Codification of ballet technique (Bournonville method) contributed to preservation and transmission of ballet as art form
• Integration of national and character dances broadened vocabulary of ballet influenced future cross-cultural exchanges in dance

Thematic and aesthetic influences

• Emphasis on narrative and emotion paved way for story ballets of Classical era influenced later choreographic approaches
• Focus on supernatural and ethereal established themes and aesthetics continue to influence ballet and modern dance
• Romantic ballet's innovations in costume, staging, and lighting set new standards for theatrical presentation in dance influenced subsequent eras

Long-term impact on dance forms

• Influenced development of Classical ballet in late 19th century (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty)
• Inspired creation of abstract ballets in 20th century reinterpreted Romantic themes and aesthetics
• Contributed to emergence of modern dance as reaction against and evolution from Romantic and Classical ballet traditions
• Shaped expectations and conventions of ballet performance continue to influence contemporary dance productions