The scenery of the ballets at the time also helped to create the supernatural stories. Along with pointe work, wires were used to help suspend dancers for short periods. Other equipment that was used were trap doors, sliding painted flats and backdrops, and gas lighting. Music was used even more to evoke the atmosphere of each scene.
Costumes were still evolving and the Romantic tutu was now in vogue. Although the term tutu was not used until 50 years later. This was the skirt that Marie Taglioni made popular when she danced in La Sylphide. It was a white bell-shaped skirt that fell from her bodice. The skirt helped to create her spirit like character.
Marie Taglioni was the first ballerina that made the public take notice to dancing on pointe. Dancing on pointe then became the norm for ballerinas. At this time as well ballerinas were taking over in the ballets. No longer were the men the stars. The public wanted to see the females float on air.
In the 1800's we can see a change in ballet. Gas lighting is used, as they can afford this now which gives the performance more of a special effect. Trap doors and wires are used to give a supernatural feel. It makes it magical and more of a fantasy which creates this escapism for the audience.
ReplyDeleteCostume changed to develop more of a character, and this was shown first by Marie Taglioni. Dancing on pointe also started to create this feeling of freedom and floating on air. Women took to the stage and were now the stars instead of the men, who were now used more for support.
These changes made ballet performances more unrealistic and magical - making it more appealing to the audience to watch. As they wanted to escape from their daily lives at the time.