1) What are some similarities between classical ballet and contemporary ballet? What are
some of the differences?
Based on the text, the major differences between classical ballet and contemporary
ballet are that classical is more formal with rules than contemporary. This is probably
because, as is given with the names, classical is a lot older than contemporary ballet.
With classical, there is always a story that is told by dance with flair. Classical ballet
provides a balanced perspective on the stage (pg. 63) whereas, contemporary doesn’t
necessarily focus on balance. However, both forms of ballet “emphasize a strong
relationship to music.” and rely on dance technique.
2) Discuss some of the important attributions to ballet by those mentioned in “Major Figures
in Ballet.” What is the significance of the Russian influence?
Based on this section of the text, it seems to me that Russian dancers had a big
influence on contemporary ballet beginning with Alexander Gorsky who did away with
the formality of classical dance. These ideas came from his russian drama teacher
Stanislasvsky. In my personal dance experience, Russians are always leading the
charge when it comes to breaking barriers and creating new dance moves.
3) If you have seen examples of both classical ballet and contemporary ballet, which do
you enjoy watching most? Why?
I prefer watching classical ballet just because there is always a story to follow with clear
cut lines and no variation. Perhaps this is just because I fall victim to human nature and
have a hard time understanding things that are new and different. That being said, I do
enjoy contemporary Ballets like Alice in Wonderland as I mentioned above, and the text
mentioned an Edward Scissorhands ballet that I will have to see. I think it just depends
on the story that is being told for me. I am a sucker for the “black sheep.” I like
characters who stand out, or are different than the typical person. I will always have a
soft spot for the underdog. Perhaps, this is because I am the underdog.
This study source was downloaded by 100000899606070 from CourseHero.com on 03-05-2026 22:58:23 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/48077049/Ch5-Disscussion-Questionsdocx/
some of the differences?
Based on the text, the major differences between classical ballet and contemporary
ballet are that classical is more formal with rules than contemporary. This is probably
because, as is given with the names, classical is a lot older than contemporary ballet.
With classical, there is always a story that is told by dance with flair. Classical ballet
provides a balanced perspective on the stage (pg. 63) whereas, contemporary doesn’t
necessarily focus on balance. However, both forms of ballet “emphasize a strong
relationship to music.” and rely on dance technique.
2) Discuss some of the important attributions to ballet by those mentioned in “Major Figures
in Ballet.” What is the significance of the Russian influence?
Based on this section of the text, it seems to me that Russian dancers had a big
influence on contemporary ballet beginning with Alexander Gorsky who did away with
the formality of classical dance. These ideas came from his russian drama teacher
Stanislasvsky. In my personal dance experience, Russians are always leading the
charge when it comes to breaking barriers and creating new dance moves.
3) If you have seen examples of both classical ballet and contemporary ballet, which do
you enjoy watching most? Why?
I prefer watching classical ballet just because there is always a story to follow with clear
cut lines and no variation. Perhaps this is just because I fall victim to human nature and
have a hard time understanding things that are new and different. That being said, I do
enjoy contemporary Ballets like Alice in Wonderland as I mentioned above, and the text
mentioned an Edward Scissorhands ballet that I will have to see. I think it just depends
on the story that is being told for me. I am a sucker for the “black sheep.” I like
characters who stand out, or are different than the typical person. I will always have a
soft spot for the underdog. Perhaps, this is because I am the underdog.
This study source was downloaded by 100000899606070 from CourseHero.com on 03-05-2026 22:58:23 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/48077049/Ch5-Disscussion-Questionsdocx/
