Reference no: EM133240002

Assignment:

In this assignment I would like you to post your view on classical verses contemporary ballet. Which side of the debate throughout this did you agree with and why? Do you believe classical ballet is the last true form of ballet? Do you believe contemporary ballet (or modern ballet) has retained enough traditional elements of the movement to remain in the ballet genre? Please find two videos like below, or if the below videos are good you may directly use them.

Based on the following answers I provided, Embed two videos with your summary that support your theory. One video of a classical ballet excerpt and the other a contemporary ballet excerpt. Share with the class why you selected the video to support your argument and what period of ballet each video represents? Please do not post an entire evening length ballet. A short excerpt or variation is sufficient. Please don't forget to label each video: Classical Ballet or Contemporary Ballet.

ANSWER TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONS:

I don't believe that classical ballet is the last true form of ballet. Similar to language and to other things in this world, dance also evolves. Hence, through time, different styles of ballet emerged and contemporary ballet is part of this evolution. However, this does not mean that the latter style does not belong to a ballet genre just because it was influenced by modern dance. With this, I believe that contemporary ballet has retained enough traditional elements of the movements to remain in the ballet genre as it still uses slow music (in most cases), applies slow movements with grace and posture, and narrates a story. Although some elements were modified, specifically in terms of costumes, still, the other components that make a ballet dance a "ballet" are still there.

SUMMARY (Should contemporary ballet be considered ballet, or should it be considered a different dance genre?):

Reiterating my stance regarding this matter, I believe that contemporary ballet should be considered a ballet. First of all, similar to classical ballet which most people are used to, this style of ballet also tells a story that is depicted through the graceful, elaborate, and flowing movements of the dancers. Every move is full of emotion and grace. Furthermore, the footwork and the use of ballet shoes are highly emphasized although some ballerinas in contemporary ballet prefer to dance in barefoot and also apply floorwork in their dances. Apart from this, contemporary ballet also possesses balance and symmetry, and when it comes to sound, it still uses slow music despite adapting fast and upbeat music and movements.

Here is a good example:

Classical Ballet: This video represents the late 1800s of classical ballet and I chose this to support my argument because you can see the dancer perform several turned-out leg extensions as well as spins and turns with a straight spine. As far as design, you will notice a very detailed background as she dances in a pink, sparkly classical tutu while wearing pointe shoes.

Contemporary Ballet: This video represents the late 20th century of contemporary ballet and I chose this to support my argument because the dancer incorporates a lot of curving and bending of her upper body with some leg extensions. The audience can also immediately notice that the dancer is not in a classical tutu or performing in front of a big scenic background, but is wearing pointe shoes.