Classical Ballet History

16th Century 

• The beginning of ballet arose in the Renaissance period in Italy.
• Catherine de Medici married King Henry II and brought ballet to France.
• Ballet was performed in courts for royalty.

17th Century

• Ballet was codified during the time of King Louis XIV.
• Louis used dance in his courts to determine stature, prominence and wealth.

18th Century

• Opera-Ballet began to form

19th Century

• Ballet transformed to what it is commonly known as today.