Can you imagine a party where every movement and every visual detail were governed by a complex system of rules and procedures? For centuries, such rituals were commonplace for European nobility. And while they’ve gone out of fashion, we recognize the components under a familiar label: ballet. Jennifer Tortorello and Adrienne Westwood outline the history of this graceful and precise dance.

1. FILE 4 FAILURE AND SUCCESS
The origins of ballet - Jennifer Tortorello and Adrienne Westwood
Can you imagine a party where every movement and every visual detail were governed
by a complex system of rules and procedures? For centuries, such rituals were
commonplace for European nobility. And while they’ve gone out of fashion, we
recognize the components under a familiar label: ballet. Jennifer Tortorello and
Adrienne Westwood outline the history of this graceful and precise dance.
https://youtu.be/OEekFTj5PvU
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1.- Ballet was brought to France in what century?
A14th
B15th
C16th
D17th
2.- Louis XIV’s main contribution to ballet was as (a):
AScenic designer
BPerformer
CBallet master
DFounder of the Royal Academy of Dance
3.- In addition to Ballet, Louix XIV also studied:
AFolk dancing
BFencing
CActing

2. DHorseback riding
EBoth B and D
FBoth A and C
GAll of the above
4.- At the time of Louis XIV, knowing ballet was a key component element of:
ABehavior and etiquette
BFitness
CPeasant life
DAll of the above
5.- King Louis XIV was best known for his role as:
AZeus
BApollo
CPoseidon
DDionysus
6.- Catherine de Medici brought ballet to 16th century France. Describe the way
ballet’s role in the court shifted between then and the time of Louis XIV.
7.- In what ways did Louis XIV contribute to ballet’s importance in 17th century
France?
8.- Louis XIV greatly influenced ballet as we know it today. What elements did he
introduce that we would still recognize?
Listen to Jennifer Homans, author of Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet, as she
discusses her book and why she wrote it. Visit NYU Arts and Sciences
Department to learn more about Jennifer Homans and the articles she has written.
Listen to this uplifting Fresh Air Story from NPR: The Tutu's Tale: A Cultural
History Of Ballet's 'Angels,’ as it discusses this amazing book and its relevance to
ballet today. Find out some facts about ballet that you probably didn’t know!

3. Thinking about reading this book? Read an excerpt from Apollo’s Angels here.
Love ballet? Listen to Jennifer Homan’s TEDx Talk: Apollo's Angels: Why Ballet
Matters. So inspired that you want to watch a ballet? Click here, sit back, and
enjoy!
DISCUSS
Ballet originated in Renaissance courts, transformed during the rule of Louis XIV,
and, while certainly still recognizable, is quite different today. In your opinion, what
are the most essential elements of ballet, historically and today