This document provides an overview of ballet history and vocabulary. It discusses how ballet originated in 15th century Italian court dance and was brought to France by Catherine de Medicis. Key developments included ballet performances moving from the palace to the theater under Louis XIII. Ballet came to America in 1837 and major figures like George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein founded the School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet. Balanchine is highlighted as creating over 400 works and influencing ballet in America. The document also outlines goals of understanding ballet steps, alignment rules, and Balanchine's impact. It provides a vocabulary list and discusses body placement rules and the five basic positions of ballet.