What were some of the theatrical innovations of this era?
Throughout the romantic ballet era (1830-1850) new theatrical innovations were introduced which revolutionised the theatre going experience for both dancer and the audience.Before the Romantic Era the theatres were lit by houselights which remained on throughout whole performances. When gas lighting was invented and brought into the theatres it became a major feature. During a performance, gas lighting took a more predominant role, whilst house lights were dimmed, creating a thoroughly ethereal effect. The slight flickering of the gaslights added a sense of 'eeriness' to the production and produced a feeling of being in an environment with 'supernatural insinuation’. Another innovation …show more content…
The Romantic era followed similar themes of betrayal, love and a spiritual connection between the living and dead. All of the great ballets of this time contained complicated love triangles, tragic deaths and meetings between spiritual beings and humans. These themes were a reflection on society of the time as they looked at the theatre to distract them from the troubles plaguing their lives. Romanticism was an attempt to escape the realities of life, as people suffered badly during the wars and the developing industrial revolution was bringing suffering to many underprivileged throughout Europe.
Were male or female dancers more important at this time? Why?
In the 19th century men had the dominant role in society, though this was changed in the dance world with the arrival of the Romantic Era. The female dancers dominated the stage and engaged with the audience in a manner never before seen in the theatre. This was due to the development of the Pointe shoe, it was a milestone in classical dance that gave the female dancer an advantage over males. The audiences were fascinated with the dancers ability to stand on the ends of their toes with effortless poise that created a supernatural feel to many works generated in this time. The male roles were reduced to being little more than support or a background for the female
Throughout the romantic ballet era (1830-1850) new theatrical innovations were introduced which revolutionised the theatre going experience for both dancer and the audience.Before the Romantic Era the theatres were lit by houselights which remained on throughout whole performances. When gas lighting was invented and brought into the theatres it became a major feature. During a performance, gas lighting took a more predominant role, whilst house lights were dimmed, creating a thoroughly ethereal effect. The slight flickering of the gaslights added a sense of 'eeriness' to the production and produced a feeling of being in an environment with 'supernatural insinuation’. Another innovation …show more content…
The Romantic era followed similar themes of betrayal, love and a spiritual connection between the living and dead. All of the great ballets of this time contained complicated love triangles, tragic deaths and meetings between spiritual beings and humans. These themes were a reflection on society of the time as they looked at the theatre to distract them from the troubles plaguing their lives. Romanticism was an attempt to escape the realities of life, as people suffered badly during the wars and the developing industrial revolution was bringing suffering to many underprivileged throughout Europe.
Were male or female dancers more important at this time? Why?
In the 19th century men had the dominant role in society, though this was changed in the dance world with the arrival of the Romantic Era. The female dancers dominated the stage and engaged with the audience in a manner never before seen in the theatre. This was due to the development of the Pointe shoe, it was a milestone in classical dance that gave the female dancer an advantage over males. The audiences were fascinated with the dancers ability to stand on the ends of their toes with effortless poise that created a supernatural feel to many works generated in this time. The male roles were reduced to being little more than support or a background for the female