Ballet is a graceful and beautiful way to express movement through intricate footwork and upper body gestures. It requires extreme control and strength, making it one of the most challenging dance forms to master.
Furthermore, the history of ballet has spanned centuries; it started in the royal courts of Europe and was moved to theaters when it became more popular.
When discussing the best ballet dancers in history, people may look at past stars such as Mikhail Baryshnikov or Rudolf Nureyev for inspiration.
However, women have made the genre their own and are also proving that they can hold their own on stage with grace.
In most cases, ballet dancers are judged on the beauty of their movement rather than speed or strength, although ballet dancing can become faster with more jumps.
As ballet is a highly competitive field to enter, the best ballet companies in the US are always looking for new talents to join their ranks.
The Most Popular Types of Ballet Dances
Ballet dancing is perhaps the most elegant dance style performed in classical music, giving both the dancer and the audience a calming experience.
Here are some of the most popular types of ballet dances!
Classical Ballet
In classical ballet, dance is divided into two categories: the movement of arms and legs. In addition, ballet dancers use pointe shoes for classical dancing.
A demi-pointe shoe or its modification—the split-sole shoe—is used instead of a fully pointed toe shoe. This allows the dancer to perform on the tips of the toes while achieving a natural range of motion.
The demi-pointe shoe is often held on with elastic material that wraps around the heel and attaches to ribbons tied around the ankle.
Romantic Ballet
Romantic ballet is a type that showcases the romantic story between two people.
This type of ballet often features plenty of ethereal and flowing movements, as well as delicate pas de deuxs (dances for two).
Romantic ballets often explore deep human emotions such as love, passion, and heartbreak. Some of the most famous romantic ballets include Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty.
Neoclassical Ballet
Neoclassical ballet draws inspiration from classical ballet techniques and principles. This dance style conveys emotion or story through movement, making it a popular choice for ballets and other performance pieces.
In neoclassical ballet, dancers typically have a strong focus on technique and precision and perform with a high level of intensity and energy.
It can be performed by solo dancers or in groups, and dancers might also incorporate contemporary elements into their dances, such as modern music or costumes.
Contemporary Ballet
Contemporary ballet is a type of ballet that uses modern dance techniques and is often more abstract than other styles of ballet.
It explores the relationship between the dancer and the audience and the dancer's own emotions and thoughts. It can be choreographed in any style of music, from classical to popular music.
Some standard techniques used in contemporary ballet include contractions, isolations, floor work, and drop falling.
Vaganova Method
The Vaganova method is a Russian ballet technique that dates back to the Academy of Russian Ballet, where it was developed.
This dance style has become one the most popular and widely used forms of ballet today and is known for its beautiful positions and flexibility.
It consists of seven main types or steps, all following the same core principles but focusing on performance and aesthetics.
Cecchetti Method
Cecchetti Method is a famous type of ballet dance that originated in Italy. It is a classical ballet style that focuses on the technique and artistry of ballet dancing.
It involves some techniques and dance moves, such as:
- Grand Jeté: A mighty leap that takes dancers high into the air. It is often used as an opening move in a dance routine
- Arabesque: A graceful pose often performed with one arm extended out to the side and the other handheld behind the dancer's head
- Sissonne: A jump in which the dancer jumps straight up into the air, landing on one foot with the other knee bent
- Pas de Chat: A dance move that involves leaping from one foot to the other, crossing one leg over
Bournonville Method
The Bournonville method is known for its graceful movements and flowing transitions.
In Bournonville, the dancers often use deep pliés and exaggerated arm movements to create an ethereal quality in their performances.
Bournonville style is often characterized by its organic use of music, with clean lines, charm, and elegance being expressed through every movement.
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Top US Ballet Dancers In History
Most people familiar with ballet dance can name several famous dancers from Russia. However, other countries like the United States have produced some of the best ballet dancers as well.
Let's take a look at some of the best US ballet dancers in history – in no particular order!
Martha Graham
An American ballet dancer, teacher, choreographer, and company director, Martha Graham is considered the mother of modern dance.
Briefly a professional ballerina, she turned to choreography after an injury abruptly ended her dancing career.
She founded her own dance troupe in 1926. The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance was established in New York City as an American Ballet company, offering courses in dance instruction at the Martha Graham School there.
Hailed as the "First Lady of American Dance," she received numerous awards throughout her lifetime before dying at age 94 from heart failure on April 1, 1991, at the Lenox Hill Hospital.
Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland is an African-American ballet dancer and one of the most reputed ballerinas of her generation. She currently performs as a principal dancer for the ABT (American Ballet Theatre).
On June 30, 1982, Misty was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to father Ronald Copeland, who worked in construction, and mother, Sylvia DelaCerna Copeland.
She overcame racial and financial barriers to become a superstar within the world of classical dance. At 13, she left home to study at the San Francisco Ballet School, where she eventually became a soloist with the San Francisco Ballet Company.
Amanda Schull
At the age of 13, Amanda Schull joined Atlanta Ballet Company to pursue her career as a professional ballerina.
Later on, she started traveling worldwide with different dance companies before signing up with New York City Ballet, where she performed many contemporary works.
The prolific ballerina has worked with several notable companies since her arrival on the scene. In addition, she has been a part of popular shows, such as:
- Cinderella
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- The Nutcracker
- Coppelia
- Swan Lake
Currently, she is a principal dancer for a company called Carolina Ballet, which Robert Weiss started in 1998.
Julia Goldani Telles
Julia Goldani Telles is a dancer and actress born in New York City. Currently, she is dancing at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) School of Classical Repertoire.
She grew up in New York, and her mother was born in Mexico City, where she spent most of her summers until she turned fifteen and decided to move to Mexico permanently with her family.
She introduced her star quality to this school with extraordinary works that have been performed by students learning their craft, such as:
- Swan Lake
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Romeo and Juliet
- Nutcracker
Robert Joffrey
Robert Joffrey was a Russian-American ballet dancer and choreographer. As the co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, he has been called "the single most influential person in shaping American dance as we know it today."
He is credited with successfully establishing modern dance as an art form in America.
His notable works include "The Untouchables" (1948), based on the musical theme by Elmer Bernstein, "Narcissus" (1987), to music by Maurice Ravel, and his popular suite from The Nutcracker (1965).
Mark Morris
Mark Morris is a choreographer and dancer, best known for his unique modern approach to ballet. He was born in Seattle, Washington, on March 1, 1956, and began studying dance in 1963.
By 1965, he had studied with George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and joined the Young America Grand Opera Ballet.
His work often features live music and is generally less formal (and more fun) than traditional ballets, such as Swan Lake.
Although he has never been employed by a significant classical company, his works are popular with professional dance companies in the United States and abroad.
Fernando Bujones
Fernando Bujones is one of the great names in US ballet history and has toured in many countries worldwide.
His first significant role was dancing Puss'n Boots at New York City Ballet. The part was so impressive that it made him an idol dancer for years to come, and he opened doors to be cast as a soloist with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), which has been considered the highest rank for any male dancer.
Subsequently, he became famous for his sharp and influential movements and for showing violence and grace during his dance performances.
Sascha Radetzky
Sascha Radetzky is a former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
He first started to dance when he was just eight years old. At 14, he received his formal training at the San Francisco Ballet School after graduating from high school.
After that, he joined Corps de Ballet for ABT's Joffrey II program, where he danced in small parts until 1992.
His classical technique helped him become one of the most sought-after dancers globally as he was trained by legendary choreographers like George Balanchine.
How Much Time Does It Take To Learn Ballet?
Since ballet is a highly demanding and complex dance style, it typically takes years to become a great ballet dancer.
It depends on the person's natural ability, dedication, and practice schedule. However, most dancers start training when they are very young, so it can even take up to 10 years to achieve professional levels of dancing.
However, some dancers might be ready in as little as 5 or 6 years if they have natural talent and considerable dedication.
On the contrary, it might take up to 15 years or more to reach the same level if they start from scratch.
It takes several years of hard work, including hours of daily physical conditioning and dance classes offered by the top ballet companies in the United States, followed by countless hours of stretching exercises to become a skillful ballet dancer.
Ballet dancers are typically put on strict training schedules consisting of daily adult dance classes near me that start with stretches at the very least, then progress into leaps and turns as they grow older.
Their movements are made as effortless as possible by proper training, but it still takes years of practice and dedication before becoming an outright professional in ballet.
Career Outlook For Ballet Dancers
To become a superior ballet dancer, you will need hours of daily physical fitness and dance classes, as well as endless hours of stretching exercises before giving an audition for companies.
This is how you become part of the culture of ballet.
Most ballet companies have stringent requirements and only accept the best dancers. The competition is fierce, and many dancers never make it past the audition process.
Although it's not easy to make it as a professional ballet dancer, it can be an enriching career if you make it.
Here are some of the typical jobs a ballet dancer usually opts for!
- Ballet Company Member
- Musical Theatre Dancer
- Theme Park Dancer
- Commercial Dancer (Television & Film)
- Cruise Ship Dancer
- Cheerleader
Find The Best Teachers Near You In The US
The United States of America has the highest ratio of performing arts groups and dancers. In addition, the employment rate for ballet dancers in the US is expected to grow by 35% between 2020 and 2030, which is comparatively higher than the average of other professions.
Ballet dancers generally earn in the region of $20,000 to $250,000 per year, depending on their skills, experience, and reputation.
Suppose you want to master the art of ballet dancing or learn about the best ballet dancers in history. In that case, there is no better option than Superprof, a network of stellar ballet dance tutors who offer assistance to those who want to become professional ballet dancers.
Embark on a dynamic dance journey by enrolling in both ballet and hip hop dance classes, where you'll find the perfect balance between grace and groove. Elevate your ballet technique with the precision and poise it demands, while simultaneously infusing your movements with the infectious energy and attitude of hip-hop. Our expert instructors will guide you through a transformative experience, helping you to master the fundamentals of both disciplines and discover the unique synergy between them. Join our inclusive dance community and explore the limitless possibilities of expression and creativity. Don't miss out on this opportunity to broaden your dance repertoire and take your skills to new heights. Enroll today in our dance lessons and let your passion for dance flourish in both the classical elegance of ballet and the contemporary flair of hip-hop!
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Gelsey Kirkland is easily #1 and not even on the list?
Hello Ryan, thank you for your comment! Unfortunately, we could not add every ballet dancer, but we will keep Gelsey in mind when we update the article! 🩰