Fairy on the toes - The story of ballet

Author: Lan Fan Cultural Studio
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Ballet, a mesmerizing term, has become a symbol of beauty in the hearts of several generations in the West. In the 1990s, a futurologist in the United States even predicted that after the human race entered the 21st century, ballet would replace football and become one of the most exciting cultural activities in people's daily lives. Ballet is the phonetic translation of the French word "ballet." The term "ballet" originates from the ancient Latin word "ballare," which initially only referred to dancing or a public performance of dance, without the meaning of a theatrical production. Today, the connotation of the word "ballet" is far broader than the common understanding of a "dance drama." It refers both to European classical dance and to ballet in general—a type of dance performed by female dancers wearing specially designed pointe shoes, where they dance on the tips of their toes. It also refers to a theatrical form that integrates music, mime, stage design, and literature, primarily using European classical dance as the means to express stories or plots, commonly known as ballet or classical ballet. After the 20th century, those that combine modern dance with classical dance techniques as the primary means to express stories or plots are also referred to as modern ballet. Even dance dramas that use various other dance forms as the main means of expression, or those that use European classical dance or modern dance, or combine both, without depicting stories or plots, but instead convey certain emotions or moods, or interpret a musical work, are all collectively referred to as ballet. The Spirit on the Tips of the Toes—The Story of Ballet introduces various stories and knowledge about ballet, including "Who Was the First to Dance on the Tips of Their Toes," "The Legend of Ballet Shoes," "What Is a Ballet Opera," and more. In the "Notes" section, it introduces some internationally renowned ballet companies, while the "Appendix" contains a timeline of ballet's major events and international ballet competitions. Despite being a thin little book, it includes a wealth of information and images, making it quite engaging to read.