What is Ballet de cour?
“Court Ballet” — elaborate performances in royal courts combining dance, music, poetry, and drama; used to glorify the monarchy.
What is Ballet d’action?
A type of ballet where the movement and dance tell a story and express emotion through gesture rather than relying on props or dialogue (pioneered by Jean-Georges Noverre).
What is Corps de ballet?
The ensemble or group of dancers who perform background movements and help tell the story.
What does Maître de ballet mean?
“Ballet master” — a person responsible for training dancers and creating choreography.
Who were Danseurs noble?
Male dancers known for their elegant, dignified, and graceful style — often playing gods, kings, or heroes.
What does Pas de chat mean?
“Step of the cat” — a jump resembling a cat’s light, springy movement.
What does Pas de cheval mean?
“Step of the horse” — a brushing action of the foot outward from the ankle.
What does Sous-sus mean?
“Over-under” — a position where both feet slide together tightly in 5th position while rising onto relevé.
What does Entrechat quatre mean?
A jump where the dancer braids or crosses their legs four times before landing (invented by Marie Camargo).
What does Assemblé mean?
“To assemble” — a jump where both feet meet in the air before landing together.
What does Promenade mean?
“In a walk” — a controlled pivot or turn while maintaining a pose.
What does Temps lié mean?
“Transfer of weight” — a movement connecting steps smoothly.
What does Temps levé mean?
“Time raised” or “step-hop” — a jump from one foot landing on the same foot.
What does Piqué mean?
“To prick” — a movement where the dancer steps sharply onto a straight leg.
What does Grand jeté mean?
“Large throw” — a long, sweeping leap across the floor.
Who was the 1st “God of Dance”?
Louis Dupré — known for his noble style and grace.
Who were the two major dance centers of the 18th century?
France and Italy.
Who was Jean-Georges Noverre and what did he write?
A French ballet master (1727–1810) who wrote Lettres sur la Danse et sur les Ballets (1760), arguing that ballet should tell a story and express emotion through movement.
What were Jean-Georges Noverre’s main arguments in his book?
- Balletic movement should be expressive, not just technical.
- Plots should be logical and unified.
- Scenery, music, and costumes must fit the theme.
- Pantomime should be simple and clear.
- The corps de ballet should support the storyline.
Who were the Vestris family, and why are they important?
- Gaetan Vestris: Famous danseur noble, known for elegance and expressive style.
- Auguste Vestris: His son; joined the Paris Opera Ballet at 12 and known for technical mastery.
Who were the Gardel brothers and what did they contribute?
- Maximilien Gardel: Danced without a mask (to avoid confusion with his rival), pioneer of pantomime, and became ballet master in 1781.
- Pierre Gardel: Succeeded his brother, was ballet master for 40+ years, expanded the Paris Opera Ballet repertory.
Who was Marie Camargo and what were her contributions?
- French dancer (1707–1756).
- Known for her 90-degree turnout and technical skills.
- Invented the entrechat quatre.
- Shortened skirts and replaced heels with flat slippers — first ballerina to wear tights.
Who was Marie Sallé and what were her contributions?
- French dancer (1710–1770). Rival of Camargo.
- Combined expression and meaning with dance (ballet d’action).
- Simplified costumes for dramatic expression.
- First female choreographer (Pygmalion).
- Inspired Noverre’s ideas on expressive ballet.
Who was Jean Dauberval?
French choreographer (1742–1816). Created La Fille Mal Gardée (1789), one of the oldest ballets still performed today.
