Introduction
Between 1830 and 1850 classical dance has evolved significantly from its early years in French aristocratic court life, but no other period in its history created such monumental change as the Romantic Era. Despite the brevity of this period, it created radical change and helped form ballet into what it is today. Its impact can be seen in simple changes to costuming and theatrical innovations, which made a significant and substantial impression on how the public perceived dance. These technological advances revolutionised the theatre going experience. Iconic themes that were generated by the likes of Marie Taglioni brought depth and emotion to what were previously one-dimensional storylines, along with the development of how the …show more content…
The Romantic Era created more significant changes to costuming than any other time period. The ballets created in this historical era were full of passion and 'out of this world events ', and it was important that costumes were altered to suit this change. Ballets such as `La Sylphide ' required the female dancers to appear ethereal and weightless. The illusion of this airiness was created with the use of a tight, fitted bodice and a bell shaped skirt constructed from layers of material that complimented the line of the dancer yet billowed 'like a cloud ' as she leapt around the stage. The tight bodice was crucial in displaying the slender physique of the dancers, whe eas the appropriately named 'romantic tutu ' was designed to conceal rather than convey. Costumes were unique to each production. In the 'moonlight ' phases of a ballet, the costumes were more simplistic, with well-crafted detailing and softer colours. In the happier sections of the piece (the peasants waltz in Giselle par example), the costumes were plainer, but with vibrant colours. The only areas of bare skin on display were the neck and shoulder area, and it was essential that the tutu was long enough to cover the ankle. In the 1800 's, the ankle was considered the most sensual part of the female body. Creators of the ballet were concerned that if it were on display then the males of the audience would not be concentrating on the dancing itself. However the feet were shown, as the father of renowned ballerina Marie Taglioni wanted to display his daughter 's intricate footwork and her ability to balance En Pointe. The introduction of the pointed shoe was a personification of the Romantic era, and its initiation is associated with this time period. The changes in costuming were indicative of the Romantic Era as they added to the
Between 1830 and 1850 classical dance has evolved significantly from its early years in French aristocratic court life, but no other period in its history created such monumental change as the Romantic Era. Despite the brevity of this period, it created radical change and helped form ballet into what it is today. Its impact can be seen in simple changes to costuming and theatrical innovations, which made a significant and substantial impression on how the public perceived dance. These technological advances revolutionised the theatre going experience. Iconic themes that were generated by the likes of Marie Taglioni brought depth and emotion to what were previously one-dimensional storylines, along with the development of how the …show more content…
The Romantic Era created more significant changes to costuming than any other time period. The ballets created in this historical era were full of passion and 'out of this world events ', and it was important that costumes were altered to suit this change. Ballets such as `La Sylphide ' required the female dancers to appear ethereal and weightless. The illusion of this airiness was created with the use of a tight, fitted bodice and a bell shaped skirt constructed from layers of material that complimented the line of the dancer yet billowed 'like a cloud ' as she leapt around the stage. The tight bodice was crucial in displaying the slender physique of the dancers, whe eas the appropriately named 'romantic tutu ' was designed to conceal rather than convey. Costumes were unique to each production. In the 'moonlight ' phases of a ballet, the costumes were more simplistic, with well-crafted detailing and softer colours. In the happier sections of the piece (the peasants waltz in Giselle par example), the costumes were plainer, but with vibrant colours. The only areas of bare skin on display were the neck and shoulder area, and it was essential that the tutu was long enough to cover the ankle. In the 1800 's, the ankle was considered the most sensual part of the female body. Creators of the ballet were concerned that if it were on display then the males of the audience would not be concentrating on the dancing itself. However the feet were shown, as the father of renowned ballerina Marie Taglioni wanted to display his daughter 's intricate footwork and her ability to balance En Pointe. The introduction of the pointed shoe was a personification of the Romantic era, and its initiation is associated with this time period. The changes in costuming were indicative of the Romantic Era as they added to the