Ballet

Ballet (Fr. ballet; Low Lat. ballare, to dance, perhaps connected with the Greek ballo, I throw), a theatrical exhibition consisting of dancing, posturing, and pantomimic action. It was introduced into Italy during the Renaissance. Ballets with historical or philosophical themes were a prominent feature of French court life, especially under Louis XIV. Noverre in 1749 stripped the entertainment of some of the conventions that had fettered it and revived the dramatic ballet. Since his time there has been little change, except for a further revival in Italy of late years.