Ballet began in the fifteenth century. It originated in the Italian renaissance courts. Caterind de Meclici of Italy married the French king Henry II. She introduced early styles of dance in the courts of France. A dance academy in Paris opened in 1676 bringing ballet from the courts to the stage.

            At first only men were dancers. They wore mask to play women’s roles. The first female in theater was in a production in 1681. She performed in the ballet Le Triomphe de l’Amour (The Trumpet of Love).

            Dancers wore mask and restrictive clothing. It looked luxurious but was hard to move in. Steps included small hops, gentle turns and curtsies. Shoes resembled formal shoes and had small heels.

            Pointe became normal in nineteenth century. Some classical ballets including Giselle and La Sylphide were created at this time. The romantic tutu was introduced in the 19th century. A calf length skirt made of tulle. The main purpose in the The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty by Levand Pelipa Ivanov was to show classical technique. Classical technique included high extensions, precision of movement, pointe work and turnout, the outward rotation of the legs from the hips. To show the ballerina’s legs, the classical tutu was made. It is shorter and stiffer than the romantic tutu.