Ballet

Ballet is a special kind of dance. It started a long time ago in Italy and France. Dancers move to music in graceful ways. They often tell stories without using words. Ballet dancers train hard for many years. They wear special shoes and pretty costumes. People all over the world love to watch ballet shows.

How Ballet Began

Ballet began in Italy about 500 years ago. It was danced at big parties for kings and queens. Later, it moved to France. A king named Louis XIV loved to dance ballet. He helped start the first ballet school. From France, ballet spread to Russia and other countries. Today, people dance ballet all over the world.

Dancers and Moves

Ballet dancers learn many special steps. Each step has a French name. A jump is called a jete. A spin is called a pirouette. Girl dancers are called ballerinas. They sometimes dance on the tips of their toes. This is called dancing on pointe. They wear hard shoes called pointe shoes. Boys lift the girls high in the air.

Fun Facts

• Ballet words are in French because ballet grew up in France.
• A tutu is the fluffy skirt that ballerinas wear.
• The Nutcracker is a famous ballet shown at Christmas time.

Did You Know?

Ballet dancers can wear out more than 100 pairs of pointe shoes in just one year!