Ballet Evolved--The First Four Centuries

[ascballerina]

I just came across this video, and thought it was cool, so I'm sharing it with everyone:

 

It was very interesting to see how much of the beginnings of ballet existed in the Baroque era, although it did make me smile to see the professional dancers struggling with the quarter rise--suddenly, the pirouettes done at a quarter rise in the Cecchetti syllabus seem to make more sense, both historically, and in terms of how strong you need to be. I also like making connections, and when Ursula Hageli mentioned that holding herself was easier for her, because her corset did the work for her, it all of a sudden made sense both in where the posture came from, and why my teacher tells us to "corset ourselves".

 

Anyway, it makes for interesting watching.

[Natalma]

So interesting! Thanks for posting.

[ascballerina]

Apparently, there's more videos like this; here's the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFEuShFvJzBwndjChxY7NtNKDLD8tgQGC (thanks to innopac on Ballet Alert for finding the playlist!)

[Natalma]

Oh wow - have bookmarked that for when I have a few minutes to enjoy! Thanks, ascballerina.

[kočička]

Quite fascinating! Thank you for sharing it!