2 3 Throwback Thursday and Carlo Blasis | Ballet Webb

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Throwback Thursday and Carlo Blasis




Throwback Thursday and Carlo Blasis

Born sometime around 1800, Carlo Blasis grew up in an arts-oriented family. His father was a musician and a composer who made certain that his children received a fine education in all areas. Carlo Blasis thus received not only a musical education, but also received a top-notch dance education.  So it makes sense that he was able to write about dance technique in such a specific way that it has been handed down through the generations.

Carlo Blasis and his fellow dancers traveled widely, performing and giving classes. In this way dance technique was developed and fostered by a variety of influences. Blasis first work, An Elementary Treatise Upon the Theory and Practice of the Art of Dancing was published in Milan in 1820, and was the first book on technique to be printed. His second work, The Code of Terpsichore added more innovations and together these books form the basis of today’s ballet training. He is also credited with creating the “Mercury Attitude”, a position based on the statue of Mercury, and is believed to have invented spotting to prevent dizziness while turning.

Carlo Blasis had a lifelong fascination with ballet technique. He was constantly learning, improving, improvising and writing down his ideas.  If he had not lived, ballet technique would be very different. His influence is still being felt today in dance studios around the world.

Carlo Blasis died on January 15, 1878.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #61:  
Carlo Blasis is credited with codifying ballet.

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Quote of the Day:
“A person who knows how to use time always has plenty.”
-          Favorite quote of Carlo Blasis

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