Ballet is viewed as the basis of all forms of dance. This is because of it's rigid structure of movement. The core of ballet is comprised of erect posture, turnout of the legs, five basic positions of the dancer's feet, pointe work, lifting of the leg known as extension, and different levels, such as jumps, releves, and plies. Ballet takes years of training. Classical dance such as ballet has been known by qualities such as graceful and elegance. Ballet, not unlike Opera, often is used to deliver a story with drama. Mime is found in ballet technique, were it is designed to speak without words. A ballet is commonly used to tell famous stories. The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty are prime examples. Other stories include Copella, Swan lake and Giselle. American Ballet Theater and other companies carry on the tradition of ballet story telling. Professional dancers work on the technique of classical ballet for many years in order to have a chance at performing it for a living.
Ballet being the oldest, of what we know as dance, as changed or been modified into Modern dance or Contemporary. These techniques are made up of movement that is free of rigid form and one that constantly changes to adjust to different types of feelings. The movement is based upon using organic use of gravity, momentum and breath to create steps that move through space. The biggest difference between ballet and contemporary dance is in the use of gravity. Ballet stays away from it and Modern dance is ruled by it. The natural swing of the body falling and rising generates the movement.
Modern is know as an abstract style of dance but is quickly becoming a part of the worldwide art culture. It tends to be very dramatic, touching on human emotion which commonly does not follow the storyboard like ballet. Modern dance can be experimental, not always having themes or a story, making it seem open ended. Modern uses other inspirations, which other styles also do, but modern is more known for being inspired by a feeling or a life event. It often takes everyday situations or stories and makes a dance of feeling. A basic example would be to look at a rainbow and make a movement structure reflecting the pattern of the rainbow's arch and using its various colors to depict different movement qualities. An example of modern dance can be seen performed by Alvin Ailey or Netherlands Danse Theatre. Contemporary and Modern dance transforms movement into a tool that can speak to an audience on a more abstract level.
Jazz, probably the most commercially known form of dancing, is usually a fast paced and energetic dance form. Jazz dance can take on many different styles. The classic form, think Chorus Line, is comprised of sharp lines and precise movements. Jazz is also known for turns and jumps that have explosive power behind them. It is most often seen on television shows like "So you Think You Can Dance" and "Glee" were it takes on its more common counterpart, Musical Theater.
These three forms of dance are all linked to one another through its basic similarities found through ballet. Just how a painting encompasses different historical periods, uses of different colors and brush strokes, dance does through movement quality, musicality, and body structure.
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