How many different types of ballet dance styles are there?

Ballet is often regarded as one of the most elegant dance forms, serving as the foundation for many other dance styles. It combines precise posture, balance, and graceful movements. Over the centuries, ballet has evolved through experimentation and artistic inspiration, leading to the development of various methods and different styles taught to dancers today. Here, we explore six main methods of ballet studied worldwide.

5 different types of ballet dance styles

With a history spanning centuries and continents, ballet has incorporated elements from various cultures and traditions, resulting in a range of schools and different dance styles. Each method has its unique nuances, adding different layers to the technical and artistic aspects of ballet.

1. Cecchetti Method (Italian Style)

The Cecchetti ballet dance is one of the most popular styles. Developed by Enrico Cecchetti in the 19th century, this is a cornerstone of modern classical ballet training. Cecchetti’s approach groups ballet vocabulary into six sets of exercises, one for each day of the week, with an emphasis on precision and planning. This method trains dancers to consider ballet as an exact science, focusing on quick footwork, crisp lines, and smooth transitions. It also promotes natural turnout, based on a dancer’s natural range of motion, rather than forcing the feet outward. Notably, the method emphasizes the fluidity of arm movements in relation to the entire body. Dancers like Anna Pavlova were heavily influenced by Cecchetti’s teachings.

2. Vaganova Method (Russian Style)

Agrippina Vaganova created the Vaganova ballet dance style by combining the French classical style, Italian athleticism, and Russian passion. This ballet dance style ensures that the whole body is involved in every movement, paying equal attention to the arms, legs, and upper body. The result is a harmonious flow of movement, allowing for greater expressive range. The Vaganova Method is known for its focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, and unique terminology that differs from other methods.

3. Balanchine Method (American Style)

Developed by George Balanchine, this method focuses on dance itself rather than storytelling. Known for its intense speed, deep pliés, and athletic quality, the Balanchine Method features distinct arm positions and dramatic choreography. Balanchine’s approach to ballet is deeply rooted in his extensive musical knowledge, often choreographing movements that directly correspond to the music’s structure. This method, characterized by quick movements and a strong emphasis on lines, has significantly influenced ballet in the United States.

4. Bournonville Method (Danish Style)

The Bournonville Method, created by August Bournonville, is heavily influenced by the 18th-century French style. It emphasizes diagonal épaulements (shoulder alignment), basic arm use, and a beautiful sense of ballon, which is the illusion of lightness. Bournonville’s ballets are known for their expressive mime, effortlessness, and lightness, with a softer upper body contrasted by buoyant jumps and quick footwork. The method also focuses on smooth transitions between steps, ensuring that no single movement is overemphasized.

5. French Method (Modern Codified Technique)

Rooted in the 17th-century Académie Royale de Danse, the French Method is the foundation for all ballet styles. This method emphasizes fluidity, elegant and clean lines, technical precision, and fast footwork. The épaulement (shoulder placement) and port de bras (carriage of the arms) are more rounded compared to other methods, striking a balance between gracefulness and technical accuracy.

6. Royal Academy of Dance Method (English Style)

Established in 1920, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet style offers a structured academic training system in classical ballet, consisting of 10 grade levels. The method emphasizes the slow perfection of basic ballet techniques, ensuring that students master fundamental movements before progressing to more complex steps. It incorporates free movement, character dance, and a blend of various traditional ballet methods, making it a comprehensive approach to ballet education.

Conclusion

Ballet, with its rich history and diverse dance styles, continues to evolve while maintaining its foundational grace and technique. Each method contributes unique elements to the art form, ensuring ballet’s enduring place as a fundamental dance style worldwide. And in case you want to embark on your ballet journey, feel to check out our available ballet classes.