How Pointe Shoes and Costumes Have Changed from the 15th Century to Now

Over the centuries, ballet has served as entertainment—once showcasing the wealth and refined elegance of the nobility—but also as a medium for powerful storytelling. Ballet can express romance, tragedy, reality, fantasy, or it simply showcases the extraordinary capabilities of dancers. Without uttering a word, performers communicate deep emotion through their bodies alone. From its origins in courtly rituals focused on status and decorum, ballet has transformed into an art of raw emotion, technical brilliance, and physical artistry. Its strength lies in its adaptability—continually evolving and echoing the values of each generation. 

Below are three of my favorite dancers: Madeline Woo, who dances with the San Fransico Ballet, Marianela Nunez, who dances with The Royal Ballet, and Maria Khoreva, who dances with the Marinsky Ballet.