Romantic Ballet

Romantic Ballet, also known as the period of “curling up and stretching” was a dance movement in the 19th century. It was inspired by love, nature, and imagination.

During this time, ballet dancers were not just graceful, they were emotive. They danced with passion, longing, and a certain airiness that can only be described as dream-like. The costumes were also a big part of the spectacle. Ballerinas would often wear flowing dresses and skirts that would billow and move with every turn.

One of the most famous Romantic Ballets was “Giselle,” a story of a young peasant girl who falls in love with a prince, only to discover he is engaged to someone else. The tragic story touched the hearts of audience members, who wept openly at the end of the performance.

The Romantic Ballet era also gave birth to many famous ballerinas, including Marie Taglioni, who was known for her ability to dance on her toes (en pointe) - a groundbreaking technique for the time. Another notable dancer was Carlotta Grisi, who played the lead role in “Giselle,” and later became a beloved teacher of ballet.

Unfortunately, the Romantic Ballet era didn’t last forever. As the 19th century came to a close, audiences began to prefer more athletic and acrobatic dancing. Ballet companies went in a new direction, with works like “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake,” which showcased virtuoso technique and athleticism.

But for a brief moment in time, the Romantic Ballet era transported audiences to a world of magic and wonder, where love, nature, and imagination reigned supreme.