Ballet Movements

The Importance of Ballet Movements

Many little girls take ballet lessons, only to move onto soccer or a musical instrument the following year. However, for the handful of those who grow up to be young ladies living for the ballet, they find quite the task ahead of them. Becoming an elite dancer is no easy feat, and for those who cannot discern between steps and movements, the road will be even more rocky.

While ballet steps include learning basics such as the five positions, spins and jumps - movements are found within the heart of a dancer, effectively conveying some of the world’s most beautiful and captivating choreography.

Prima ballerinas are masters of their craft - not because of flawless turn out – but rather because they are able to tell a story through their meticulously rehearsed ballet movements. This is what truly makes a dance, and only few are fortunate enough to accomplish such a goal.

Masters in Movement

Julius Reisinger, the original choreographer of Swan Lake, is the perfect example of someone who created ballet movements rather than simple steps. The choreography tells a story, and it has remained almost unchanged for over a hundred years’ worth of performances. True ballet masters love a good story, and Reisinger is a very early example of this. He realized how audience members would be much more captured by the bodily portrayal of romance and death, rather than watching tendus and arabesques performed precisely by talented and lithe dancers.

He was right in his judgment, as Swan Lake has gone on to be recognized as one of the premier examples of ballet movement still in existence today in the modern dance theatre. George Balanchine and his New York-based rendition of The Nutcracker is another fine example. Every executed step of this classic Christmas production conveys a story rather than “tricks,” and families flock to theatres across the country every December to watch the tale unfold through the graceful limbs of the dancers.

Lastly, Martha Graham is a master of movement, as she successfully adopted varying forms of ballet for what became her modern dance empire. She too, told stories through her dance, making her one of the most popular modern choreographers of her generation.

Learning Ballet Movements

If you would like to become proficient at ballet movement, you must first learn the basic steps, though this may seem quite contradictory. However, your body must be conditioned in technique before you can begin to focus on your heart and soul. Once you have perfected the steps you must know, spend some time making the piece your own.

This may mean trying out different music, starting in various positions, or perhaps letting go of the whole thing and starting over again. The important focus is to “own” the ballet movements, rather than just mimicking a teacher in the mirror. Many dancers will never be able to reach this point of freedom in their dance, however others will find it to be much easier than they anticipated.

Ballet movements are vital to the culture of this classic dance form, as it inspires future generations to try on their own ballet shoes for size. The theatrical components found within the ballet is what draws mass appeal. If you are a dancer, remember you are an inspiration. If you are hoping to become one, search for what inspires you. Only time will tell how far the dance will take you.