The History of Ballet and Contemporary Dance

I decided to research into ballet and contemporary ballet to help me gain a better understanding of its origin's and how it came to be what it is today. I found that  Ballet, is a formalised dance form, originated in the Italian Renaissance courts during the 15th and 16th centuries. Here is some more research I found on its fascinating history :

Renaissance Origins (15th - 16th Century):

• Ballet’s roots trace back to the lavish court entertainments of Renaissance Italy, particularly in the form of court dances.

• These early performances laid the groundwork for ballet’s development as an art form.

Baroque Era (17th Century):

• In the 17th century, ballet established itself as a theatrical art form in France.

• King Louis XIV, an avid dancer, played a crucial role by founding the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661.

• During this period, ballet began to incorporate more elaborate costumes, scenery, and narratives.

Romantic Era (19th Century):

• The Romantic era brought ethereal and otherworldly themes to ballet.

• Iconic works like “La Sylphide” and “Giselle” emphasized emotion, storytelling, and technical virtuosity.

Classical Ballet (Late 19th - Early 20th Century):

• The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of classical ballet.

• Marius Petipa (choreographer) and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (composer) shaped classical ballet with masterpieces like “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”.

20th Century and Beyond:

• The 20th century brought innovation and experimentation to ballet.

• Choreographers like George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham pushed the boundaries, incorporating elements of modern dance, abstraction, and new choreographic technique

Contemporary ballet, also known as neoclassical or modern ballet, emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the changing cultural landscape and the desire to break away from the constraints of classical ballet. I decided to research further into the key features of contemporary ballet:

           Innovation and Experimentation:

• Contemporary ballet embraces innovation and experimentation, incorporating a wide range of movement styles, music, and themes.

• Choreographers often blend classical ballet technique with elements of modern dance, jazz, and other dance forms to create unique and dynamic works.

Narrative and Abstract Works:

• While classical ballet often focuses on narrative storytelling, contemporary ballet can be both narrative and abstract.

• It explores themes and ideas through movement, music, and design, allowing for creative expression beyond traditional storylines.

Diverse Repertoire:

• Contemporary ballet offers a rich and eclectic body of work.

• Choreographers draw inspiration from various sources, including literature, visual art, current events, and personal experiences.

• The evolving nature of contemporary ballet ensures a diverse and ever-expanding repertoire.

Technical Mastery:

• Despite its innovative spirit, contemporary ballet maintains a strong emphasis on technical mastery and precision.

• Dancers must possess exceptional strength, flexibility, and control to execute the complex choreography characteristic of the genre.

In conclusion, ballet’s history is a testament to its enduring appeal for reinvention. From its humble beginnings in the courts of Renaissance Italy to its evolution into a global art form, ballet continues to captivate audiences. After doing all this research it has helped me to gain a better understanding of both contemporary and classical ballet. I am now certain that our dance is contemporary ballet because we have an abstract theme all about clocks.

What is clockwork in dance?

In the realm of dance, the term “clockwork" is simply in my opinion the personification of a clock. Imagine dancers moving in a synchronized pattern that mirrors the intricate gears and mechanisms of a clock. It involves circular or rotational motions, similar to that of the clock’s hands gracefully ticking away.

Clockwork movements can manifest in different ways:

Group Choreography: In this scenario, dancers join forces to create a mesmerizing clock-like pattern. Their coordinated movements evoke the precision and rhythmic regularity of a well-oiled timepiece. Picture a group of dancers seamlessly rotating, intersecting, and aligning like the gears of a grand clockwork mechanism. This is mainly what we do in our dance seeing as it is a group piece.

Individual Expressions: Even when dancing solo, a performer can channel the essence of clockwork. Perhaps a dancer extends an arm, tracing an imaginary clock hand through the air. Or their legs execute rotations, similar to the ticking of seconds. 

Clockwork can be seen I contemporary, modern, ballet, and jazz. Choreographers use this concept as a creative tool, infusing their work with structured patterns, and visual complexity. Just as a clock’s gears harmonize to mark time, dancers synchronize their bodies to weave captivating narratives on the stage. I found some really good example of clockwork dance on YouTube :

(3) CHRONOS: Clockwork by Tiarne Gilligan (Contemporary) - YouTube 

 Watching that performance was truly mesmerizing. The way they embodied the essence of clocks was unlike anything I've ever seen before. Their movements were so precise, like the intricate gears of a clock working together in perfect harmony. It was evident that they had put in a lot of effort to achieve such synchronization and coordination. As I prepare for our own clockwork dance, I can't help but feel inspired by their performance. I hope to emulate their precision and teamwork in our routine. Each movement must be executed with care and exact timing, just like the hands of a clock ticking away the seconds. We need to work together as a team, supporting and complementing each other's movements to create a seamless performance. I'm also excited to explore how we can embody the character of clocks in our dance. From the elegant pendulum swings to the mechanical ticking motions, there are so many possibilities to incorporate into our choreography. It's all about paying attention to the smallest details and infusing our movements with the spirit of clocks. As we continue to rehearse and refine our routine, I'm confident that we can create something truly special. With dedication and determination, we'll bring our own unique interpretation of clockwork to life on stage.

Orange Grove Public School - The Grove Dance Company: 'Clockwork' (youtube.com) 

As I watched the performance unfold, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the clever way they began with the creation of a clock. It was like watching time come to life right before my eyes. The precision and attention to detail were remarkable; every movement perfectly synchronized to mimic the intricate workings of a clock. It was a visual feast, and I found myself utterly captivated from the start. And those lifts... they were nothing short of breath-taking. Each one executed with such finesse and control, it was as if the dancers were defying gravity itself. The way they moved together, seamlessly transitioning from one lift to the next, left me in awe of their skill and coordination But what really struck me were the sharp, clear lines they maintained throughout the entire performance. Every extension, every movement, was executed with such precision that it almost seemed like they were etching their choreography into the air. It created a sense of clarity and elegance that was truly captivating to behold. As I reflect on what I witnessed, I can't help but feel inspired. I know that incorporating elements like these into our own dance will take it to a whole new level. It's not just about the steps we take, but the way we bring them to life with intention and artistry. I'm excited to see how we can infuse our performance with the same level of creativity and mastery.