Let's face it: not everyone is a fan of dancing. Some people were not born to be dancers. They simply do not have the talent or the drive to succeed with dancing. Ballet is one of those examples where not everyone can become a ballerina but it is a pastime that anyone can enjoy watching. The fluid grace of the dancers as they leap and twirl around the stage is awe inspiring. The delicate strains of the orchestra working in choreography with the bodies of the ballet dancers are a thing to behold.

By the time the curtain draws to a close you find yourself on the edge of your seat breathless and waiting for the final bow. Ballet does not have to be solely a rich individual's entertainment.

It can be entertaining for anyone to watch. There are many forms of ballet that are performed daily throughout the world. Perhaps this article can introduce you to the history and forms of ballet that are gracing the stage even now.

What is ballet?

Ballet is a form of dance set to music. It is a highly stylized dance form that embraces smooth, graceful movements. The actual word for ballet comes from the Italian word "balleto" which derives its meaning from the Latin word "ballare" meaning to dance.

Ballet is more than just about dancing on one's toes though. Through the graceful movements a story is told. Acting, miming and fluid movements tell the tale all while accompanied by either orchestra or vocal music. People have long watched ballets as a way to escape from their lives and enter into a fairy-like realm filled with dancing Prima Ballerinas and pirouetting dancers.

What does it take to become a ballet dancer?

There has to be a love of the dance in order to become a ballet dancer. The dancer must start at an early age learning all there is to know about the different movements and education behind this form of dance. In addition to this knowledge the dancer must develop strong leg and core muscles to help support him or her during the intricate movements that require strength, agility and flexibility.

Only later during the course of training when the strength in the ankles and legs has been developed will the dancer learn to use pointe shoes. The pointe shoe is used by the women and the men continue with soft soled shoes in order to learn the more advanced leaps and turns that will be expected of him. Discipline and training is the core to the dance and without it the dancer could become injured severely.

Who makes up the ballet company?

The ballet company is comprised of several influential players and dancers. It all begins with the artistic director and continues down to the stage hands. You have the Prima Ballerinas, the ballerinas, the orchestra, the choreographer, and even the character dancers.

Each dancer and hand has an important place in the whole scheme of the ballet. There can be no dance without each of these important people and there are a host of others not mentioned that have influential presence within the ballet company. Each must work together in order to produce the wonderful pieces of dance that make up the ballet.

What are the differences between classical, neoclassical and contemporary ballet?

The classical method of ballet adheres to the strict ballet positions and dances that have been around since the advent of the dance. Neoclassical ballet still uses these positions and styles but you will see more advanced leaps and dives taken by the dancers.

Contemporary ballet, or Modern ballet, combines the use of Classical and Neoclassical with that of modern forms of dance. In this form of ballet you will see some of the classical stances but more liberty is taken with the actual movements.