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Ballet and opera began in the 17th century, with the elaborate
spectacles devised at European courts. These were flamboyant entertainments
used to celebrate marriages or show off the wealth and power of
the ruler. The performances were a mixture of spoken word, music,
dance and pantomime. They contained ceremonial processions with
spectacular technical effects and extravagant costumes. The stories
were inspired by the myths of ancient Greece and Rome or were based
on themes such as the four seasons, the natural world or foreign
lands.
Costumes were imaginative and fantastical, decorated with symbols
that helped the audience to recognise the characters in the story.
Movement was often limited by the size of these costumes. Originally
the court ballets were performed by the aristocracy and royalty
in the rooms and gardens of their palaces. Dances were based on
the social dances of the royal courts with graceful arm and upper
body movements and elaborate floor patterns. These huge spectacles
helped keep courtiers amused - court life could be monotonous
and boring, and being able to dance was a necessary social accomplishment.
King Louis XIV of France was by all accounts a passionate dancer.
He was known as the Sun King. He had appeared as the Sun god,
Apollo in Le Ballet de la Nuit (The Ballet of the Night),
at the age of 15. Apollo was the Greek god of peace and the arts.
The Sun, a heavenly body which gave life to all things was seen
as the perfect symbol for the young King.
The French Academy
Eventually it became impossible for amateur dancers to reach the
standards demanded by the dancing masters and composers. The two
separate traditions of ballet and opera began to develop independently
and in 1661 the Académie Royale de Danse, was established
in France. Here the first professional theatre dancers were trained,
and dance moved from the court into the public theatres.
More
information about the costumes from the Court Ballet
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Introduction
18th Century Satire
