History

In 1661, Louis XIV established the Acadamie Royale de Danse, a professional organization for dancing masters. He stopped dancing in 1670, and his courtiers followed his example. By then the court ballet was already giving way to professional dancing. At first all the dancers were men, and men in masks danced women's roles. The first female dancers to perform professionally in a theater production was in 1681.The dance technique of the period, included many steps and positions known today. A new theatrical form developed: the opera-ballet, which placed equal emphasis on singing and dancing and generally consisted of a series of dances linked by a common theme. During the second half of the 18th century the Paris Opera was dominated by male dancers but female dancers were also gaining in technical proficiency.  Toe dancing began to develop at about this time, although the dancers balanced on their toes only for a moment or two. Blocked toe shoes had not been invented yet. Two great American ballet companies were founded in New York City in the 1940s, American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet. Since the mid-20th century, ballet companies have been founded in many cities throughout Canada and the United States.