From Giselle to The Nutcracker, ballet is a romantic language, told not through the mouth, but through the body. It features a rich history, remarkable performances and specific techniques. Ballet was born in the courts of Italy during the Renaissance. The wealthy nobility, royal families, and other wealthy citizens were usually the only ones to stage these early ballets. Ballets began as entertainment for banquets. However, dancing was not the only feature of these luxurious receptions. In fact, dancing wasn't just fun. The dancers and spectators found it interesting and “a deeply intellectual experience.” (Ballet-Core of Culture.) It also included painting and poetry. These banquets were held in large ballrooms. In 1489, a banquet approximated the ballet used today. The dance was a story. The history of dance was linked to history. For example, when the dancers performed Jason and the Argonauts, roast lamb was served. However, it was not yet a ballet known today. This form of dance began to resemble modern ballet. In 1581, the first dance with score debuted. This was danced by the Queen's Ballet Company. This dance was born like classical ballet, but it did not have the same techniques as classical ballet. Some of the first ballet companies were the Royal Academy of Dance and the Paris Opera. Of course, there were many more notable companies. The Royal Academy of Dance, an organization of the first professional dancers, was established in 1661. The term "dancer" refers to a male dancer, as women were not generally professional dancers. At the Paris Opera, singing and dancing were combined in equal parts. A series of songs followed by a dance routine......middle of paper......ora was born. She is cursed. She pricks her finger on the spinning wheel and falls asleep. The prince finds her, wakes her with a true love's kiss, and they all live happily ever after. Ballet is a beautiful dance filled with romance, language, and exercise, among other things. It has a wonderful story, touching performances and magnificent techniques. Works Cited “A Brief History of Ballet.” Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Internet. March 29, 2014. “Ballet – core of culture. » Core of culture. Internet. April 9, 2014.Clarke, Mary and Crisp, Clement. Understanding ballet. New York: Harmony, 1976. Print. “Dancing Online, History of Ballet”. Line dancing, history of ballet. Internet. March 31, 2014. Heenan, Andrew. “The History of Ballet.” Giselle's story. Andrew Heenan. Internet. April 3, 2014.Rinaldi, Robin. Ballet. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2004. Print. dance world.