A brief insight into dance history.

Dance history is such a large topic to cover and it would be impossible to mention everything in just one blog. Have you ever wondered where this all started and how a dance style forms over the years? Here is a very small insight into the origins and evolution of ballet, hip hop and contemporary. 

Ballet:

The history of ballet begins around 1500 in Italy. The official terminology and vocab for ballet was codified in French over the next 100 years. Ballet in Russia had developed it’s own stylistic character. Dancing en pointe only became popular at the beginning of the nineteenth century. In America ballet only grew popular during the 1930’s. George Balanchine is one of the best known artists who firmly established ballet in America by founding the New York City Ballet. It was also around this time that the Royal Ballet was founded in London by Irish woman, Dame Ninette de Valois. Since then ballet has only become more progressive and adaptable to the current climate. It's slowly becoming more open and accepting of everyone and all bodies.

Hip hop and street style: 

Hip hop originated from the Bronx, NY during the late 1970’s as a street-style movement, rooted in African- American and Latin communities. It simply stemmed from social dances performed at house parties. It was influenced from the up and coming hip hop music at the time where DJ’s would create loops and ‘breaks’ in the tracks, which is where the term ‘breaking’ originated from which is more popularly known as breakdancing. From here, key elements like popping and locking emerged, driven by improvisation and competition. Not only does hip hop have technique to it, it is also a culture and stems from a strong history of community.

Contemporary dance 

Contemporary dance emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the rigid techniques of classical ballet. Pioneers like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham sought to express emotion and individuality through free, fluid movements. It blends elements from modern, ballet, and various world dance styles, emphasizing innovation and storytelling. Today, contemporary dance continues to evolve, embracing diverse cultural influences and experimental techniques. The term 'contemporary' dance is always evolving and changing as the times change, but it always remains an accepting dance style that allows and encourages all types of movement.

Conclusion

From the structured elegance of ballet to the raw energy of hip hop and the emotional fluidity of contemporary dance, each style tells a unique story while continuously evolving. These forms of dance not only connect us to their origins but also inspire new generations to innovate and create. As we celebrate the diversity of dance, we honor its ability to unite people, transcend boundaries, and communicate the universal language of movement.

At STU Arts Dance we provide many different styles of dance, including ballet, hip hop and contemporary. So whatever style your into you'll be able to find a class that suits your vibe! Check out our website here for more information on our class schedules.

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