Ballet Dancing

Brief History

What we call Ballet today, really only began in Paris in the 1930s. It was called the Romantic Ballet. For the first time gaslights were used on stage, which made everything look ghostly and unreal. Poets began writing stories for ballets. Dancing on pointe also started then, and for the first time women dancers became more important than the men. This continued until nearly 80 years later when a man called Diaghilev changed everything by giving male and female equal roles.

Meanwhile, many French ballet masters and choreographers went to Russia to the Imperial Russian Ballet - nowadays called the Kirov Ballet. One man, Marius Petipa arrived there in 1847 and revolutionized ballet by adding greatly to the range of steps. The style gradually developed into the style we now call Classical Ballet.

Ballet at DJ's

At DJ's we teach in accordance with the examination boards, IDTA (International Dance and Teachers Association) and BBO (British Ballet Organisation).

Throughout the year pupils can participate in examinations, where every candidate will receive a report and all successful candidates will also receive a certificate and an engraved plaque. Since the very first examination was taken, DJ's are proud to announce that they have achieved a 100% pass rate every time!

All pupils also have the opportunity to show their achievements through shows and other demonstration events.

Children of all ages are welcome to join and take part in classes. For more information please see the contact and Fairhaven/Thorns timetable pages.