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.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“A person who knows how to use time always
has plenty.”
-
Favorite quote of Carlo Blasis
Help expand the knowledge base!
Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas,
or images that worked best for you!
No comments:
Post a Comment