George Balanchine: An Expansion Of The Classical Form

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Recommended: Comparison and contrast of ballet eras

Ballet emerged from the Renaissance around the 1500s in Italy. The style of dance introduced into the French culture by Catherine de Medici of Italy when she married King Henry II. Fast forward to the 20th century, George Balanchine, a New York City choreographer would completely reform ballet, he invented neo-classical ballet, an expansion on the classical form. Balanchine is praised by many to be the most successful innovator of the contemporary ballet. With no definitive story line, ballet’s purpose is to use intricate movements to communicate the music and to radiate human emotion. Today, ballet varies in forms. Classical, traditional, and contemporary choreographic innovations entwine to produce the traits of modern ballet. There are many

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