Have you ever experienced performances of Swan Lake or The Nutcracker? If so, you’ve witnessed the grace, strength, and artistry that define ballet dancing—a captivating art form that originated during the 15th-century Italian Renaissance before evolving in France, Russia, and beyond. Ballet made its way to the United States in 1735 when Henry Holt and his troupe performed three ballets in Charleston, marking the beginning of its journey in America.
Let's continue exploring the history of ballet, the best ballerinas, and some of the top ballets in this article!
When Did Ballet Start in the US?
Ballet dance in America started well before most people would have considered it. Various ballet dancers visited different colonies back in 1735 when Henry Holt – an Englishman – and the rest of his group performed ballet in Charleston – the largest city in South Carolina.
Due to the "Puritan" influence, starting ballet companies in America were discouraged. Given such a scenario, do you want to know how ballet dance evolved in the US? Read on!
A Brief History of Ballet Dance
America's first "actual" ballet dance was performed by Alexandre-Placide Busssart (better known as Alexandre Placide) and his better half in Charleston in 1791 – precisely sixteen years after the independence.
In their maiden performance in NYC (New York City), they were accompanied by John Durang – America's first native-born dancer and George Washingtons' favorite entertainer.
In 1792, both Alxendre Placide and Madam Placide presented their stunning performances in New York City.
Madam Placide even became the "Prima Ballerina" of the "New Orleans Theatre," presenting ballet dancing with Jean Dauberval and Jean-Georges Noverre.
Afterward, Paul Hazard (famous European dancer and member of the "Paris Opera") and his wife emigrated to the US. They settled in the largest city of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Paul and his wife opened a ballet school (the first-ever in the US) in 1835. Though the school produced a range of credible and talented ballet dancers, three became increasingly popular in their time:
George Smith
In 1840, Fanny Elssler (the famous Austrian ballet dancer) came to America and performed shows with immense success.
She performed mainly with the American dancer, George Smith, famously known for his performance as the first "American Albrecht In Giselle."
George Smith – a junior clog dancer – joined the company of Fanny Elssler and became her associate. James Sylvian (the original partner of Fanny Elssler) taught Mary Lee and Smith.
Hence, it was Sylvian who honed the two dancer's techniques; however, he went back to Europe, leaving American ballet dancing to stagnate.
Mary Lee
Mary Lee (birth name Mary Ann Lee) was one of America's first professional ballerinas. The American audience popularly called her 'Our Mary Ann.'
In 1844, Lee went to France to study ballet with Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, the famous French ballet dancers. There, she learned a wide variety of ballet forms such as:
- La Jolie fille de Gand
- Giselle
- La Fille du Danube (The Daughter of the Danube)
Famous Italian dancers Carlotta Grisi and Marie Taglioni were the minds behind these forms, teaching Lee to perfect them.
In 1845, Lee returned to America, where she formed a troupe in association with George Smith. Both toured America for more than a year together, presenting various ballet forms and acts, including Giselle.
Though Mary Lee retired shortly afterward, Smith continued performing ballet with Eliza Rosanna Gilbert (better known by her stage name Lola Montez).
Not just dancing, he even started teaching and choreographing ballet dance. Moreover, he danced with Rozani's Grand Ballet Troupe and the famous, talented Italian dancer, Enrico Cecchetti.
Augusta Maywood
Augusta Maywood (birth name Augusta Williams) was the first-American ballet dancer to achieve worldwide fame.
She was born to Henry Williams (an English actor performing in the United States) and took the name Maywood from her stepdad, Robert Maywood (theatrical manager) when she was merely 3-years old.
In 1836, Augusta started studying ballet dancing in the school of Paul Hazard. Then, in 1837, she performed in front of a massive gathering in "The Maid of Cashmere" for the first time.
She was a massive success alongside her co-star and fellow student, Mary Lee. In 1838, Mary Lee and Augusta Maywood appeared in another ballet performance titled "The Dew Drop (or La Sylphide)" in NYC.
However, Maywood's parents then brought her to France, where she learned ballet with Joseph Mazilier (principal dancer at Paris Opera) and Jean Coralli (ballet master at Paris Opera).
Finally, Augusta made her French debut at Opera in "Le Diable Bouteux." The show was both a critical and commercial success. Shortly afterward, she married Charles Mabille.
In 1845, she left for Vienna, Austria, where she performed with tremendous success at various theaters but mostly "Karntnertor Theatre" till 1847.
After that, She headed to Milan, where she debuted in Teatro Alla Scala (popularly known as La Scala). And at the age of 23, Augusta became La Scala's prima ballerina. She performed there till 1862 – the age of her retirement.
At the end of her illustrious career, Augusta started teaching and choreographing ballet dancing. Then, at 51, she died an unnoticed death (many of her followers didn't know about her demise) due to smallpox.
Overall, she was the first American to gain such massive success in Europe; she held the title of prima ballerina till Nana Gollner replaced her and became prima ballerina herself.
Nevertheless, here are a few ballet performances in which Augusta Maywood appeared:
- La Gypsy
- Faust
- Giselle
4 Types of Ballet
Four distinct ballet dancing genres have molded the art form's direction, culture, and evolution:
Romantic Ballet
This type began in the 19th century and was highly inspired by the Romantic period. This is where many of the most identifiable ballet characteristics, such as tutus and pointe work, arose.
Romantic ballet storylines stressed passion, drama, and lyricism, resulting in a sharp rise in leading female dancers when male dancers had earlier controlled the stage.
Classical Ballet
This ballet style features a story-directed narrative grounded by a female ballet dancer and is typically supported by a live orchestra.
Traditional dance movements stress the dancer's extension lines and weightlessness, emphasizing outward leg rotation and fluidity.
The dancers use exquisite attire, and the scenery suits the show's narrative.
Modern Ballet
This kind of contemporary dance contains characteristics of classical ballet, such as some pointe techniques and acting, but it is relatively less rigid in its performance.
In addition, modern ballet dancing methods enable more upper body mobility than traditional ballet and can even be done barefoot.
Neoclassical Ballet
This style first appeared in the 1920s and is less controlled and more artistic than previous kinds of ballet.
The neoclassical ballet was created in reply to the emotional features of passionate ballet, and it does not include standard elements such as:
- Sets
- Costumes
- Complex tales
5 Famous Ballets
A handful of well-known ballets have accorded themselves to memorable and famous performances. And here are some of the most renowned ones:
Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky's music is featured in this well-known title, making it one of the most celebrated ballets.
Numerous ballet companies worldwide have reproduced it, even though the original performance at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia, in 1877 was a fiasco.
The ballet describes the tale of a prince who sets out hunting late at night and comes upon a swan who transforms into a lovely young lady.
The Nutcracker
The Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, hosted the premiere of this Tchaikovsky-composed classical ballet in 1892.
The Nutcracker portrays a teenage girl who reduces to the size of a rat and becomes entangled in a conflict involving her plastic Nutcracker and armies of mice on Christmas Eve.
Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa choreographed the original ballet. At the same time, George Balanchine, the New York City Ballet creator, made his own rendition in 1954.
Every year after that, in New York, The Nutcracker was performed as per tradition.
The Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty, in essence, is centered on Charles Perreault's story of a troubled or cursed princess who, on her 16h birthday, slips into an unending stagnation after cutting her finger.
It was first presented in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. Tchaikovsky's music is also used in this beautiful ballet.
Don Quixote
Ludwig Minkus composed the music for Don Quixote, which premiered at Bolshoi Theater, Moscow, in 1869.
Based on Miguel de Cervantes' famous work Don Quixote la de Mancha, this dance incorporates selected incidents from the novel and transforms the story into an imaginative romantic comedy.
Romeo And Juliet
Romeo and Juliet was first performed in 1938 Czechoslovakia at the Mahen Theater, with choreography by the iconic Ivo Váa-Psota.
The tragic Shakespearean tale of two younger lovers from competing households is told beautifully in this dance.
Therefore, it is second only to The Nutcracker, amongst the most devised productions of the past half-century.
Find dance classes here on Superprof.
Learn with the Help of a Professional
Have you considered pursuing a career as a ballet dancer? There are various schools in the United States where specialists can help you master complex moves and refine your ballet talents in no time.
So whether you're a newcomer or an accomplished ballerina who wishes to study further and learn sophisticated ballet skills, you can find a place to learn.
So you can either sign up to one of the best ballet companies in the US or look for dance classes with Superprof.
There are thousands of competent and specialized tutors on Superprof for every type of ballet dancing. Anyone can also sign up and attend online classes from the comfort of their own home.
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