Neoclassical Ballet

Neoclassical ballet is the style of 20th century classical ballet exemplified by the works of George Balanchine. The term "Neoclassical Ballet" appears in 1920s with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, in response to the excesses of romanticism and modernity. It draws on the advanced technique of 19th century Russian Imperial dance, but strips it of its detailed narrative and heavy theatrical setting. What is left is the dance itself, sophisticated but sleekly modern, retaining the pointe shoe aesthetic, but eschewing the well upholstered drama and mime of the full length story ballet.