F
rom the recent commercial
success of the movie
Black Swan
,
to the annual
Christmas tradition of seeing
The Nutcracker
that many families
enjoyed just a few months ago, it is
clear that ballet is definitely still in
vogue. But the dance has a very long
history. It began during the 15th and
16
th century Italian Renaissance, and
its highly technical form has impacted
global dance ever since. In the 21st
century, ballet – in all its forms – is
still as popular as ever.
Ballet breakdown
As with languages and cuisines,
in its earliest days, geography and
culture influenced the development
of ballet, with different countries
developing their own styles. The main
early schools were Italian, Russian
and French with English influences.
French has remained the dance’s
language, adding to its romantic air.
According to Joan Campbell
from the Carol Bateman School
of Ballet, today’s main ballet styles
are “classical”, “neoclassical”
and “contemporary”. “Classical”
is performed to classical music
and requires excellent technique;
“
neoclassical”, is classical-based, but
includes faster tempos and non-
traditional technical feats; whilst
“
contemporary” mixes classical ballet
and modern dance.
Jean M Wong, Principal of the
Jean M. Wong ( JMW) School of
Ballet, says that the most well-known
form of ballet is classical. This pure
technique-based form, which follows
the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
school in London, is taught both at
her school and Carol Bateman’s. You
might recognise this style in a range of
popular works, from the athletic
Swan
Lake
,
to the softer
La Sylphide
.
The Russian style of contemporary
ballet, which developed after ballet
was introduced to Russia in the 17th
century, is also popular throughout the
world. The Russian Ballet School in
Sai Kung is the first Hong Kong-based
centre teaching the Vaganova system –
named after the famous ballerina and
teacher, Agrippina Vaganova. Russian
ballet combines romantic French
and athletic Italian styles, using the
whole body to create greater harmony.
Some view the Russian method
as superior to the RAD due to the
country’s extensive ballet history and
for the many world-renowned dancers,
instructors and choreographers that it
has produced. You’re probably familiar
with George Balanchine, Anna
Pavlova and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Tiny dancers
Budding ballerinas as young as three
can enrol in fun, introductory classes,
says Jean M Wong. Such classes
cultivate musicality, creativity, self-
confidence, rhythmical awareness
and imagination. However, little
children do have to focus, follow rules
and pay attention! Classes typically
run for an hour and cost from $140.
Joan Campbell suggests parents
encourage children to try ballet, but
to check class numbers and whether
teachers are trained before choosing
a school.
Jean M Wong emphasises
that children who dance as an
extracurricular activity often do so
simply for enjoyment and exercise.
Dance mum Mandy Lee’s daughter
began ballet five years ago because
her best friend was doing it, but now
loves her twice-weekly classes, even
getting upset if school exams make
her miss a session.
Ballet is active, builds confidence
and self-expression, as well as
coordination and balance. Kids can
revel in performing to music before
groups (and proud parents!) and kindle
a sense of supportive camaraderie.
According to Joan Campbell, this
popular social activity also lets kids
listen to live piano music and gain
good deportment.
March 2013
49