Friday, October 8, 2010

No.2

balletomane  n - an ardent admirer of the ballet

Yes, that’s a word you don’t come across very often, and you probably don’t know many balletomanes!

Nevertheless, if my blog is going to live up to its name, then ballet must be included in its subject matter.

This kind of entertainment has its origins in the 17th and early 18th centuries in France, especially at the court of Louis IV. Indeed, Louis himself loved dancing and often took part in the performances. However, it seems that dance spectaculars of one kind or another had been a feature of life in royal courts much earlier in both France and Italy.

Because of its beginnings, the language of the ballet has always been French e.g. corps de ballet, pas de deux, grand jeté etc. This contrasts with music where the terms have always been Italian.

From all the many ballet clips available, I’ve selected four. My choice was based simply on the fact that I like them - and they’re short.


First, this is Rudolf Nureyev in “Swan Lake”, music by Tchaikovsky.



A scene from “Les Sylphides” by the Kirov Ballet, music by Chopin.



Tchaikovsky again in this excerpt from “The Sleeping Beauty.”



Finally, William Tuckett and the Royal Ballet in “La Fille mal gardeé” by Ferdinand Hérold.



It’s just possible you’re thinking to yourself - “I could do that!” Well, think no further! Here’s just the thing for you - this website will teach you ballet, and as far as I could see, there’s no age limit !!!
I’ll let you know how I get on!

http://www.discoverahobby.com/learnballet.htm

***A Touch of Culture**A Touch of Culture**A Touch of Culture***

2 comments:

  1. FIVE HICOOS FOR ETERNITY

    – Mirror on the wall,
    please tell me, how cän I find
    the Source of my Self?

    – Flashboy, reflection
    depends on your Mind, gone like
    a window across

    This aperture's well
    into the trees in order
    to get the picture

    No camera yields
    by the thunder of silence
    while nothing stays real

    Like Void breaks the still
    ness of a lightning above
    that calm forest lake.

    Single Swingle

    - Yours, Peter Ingestad, Sverige

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much...This kind of entertainment has its origins in the 17th and early 18th centuries in France, especially at the court of Louis IV. Indeed, Louis himself loved dancing and often took part in the performances. Hobbies Idea

    ReplyDelete