Saturday, April 9, 2011

The Romantic Tutu Has A Tragic Past - Emma Livry's Life

Author: Ashton Field

The Romatic ballet was introduced in 1832 with the production of La Sylphide by the Paris Opera Ballet. In La Sylphide the tutu was introduced to the public so that the audience could see the fancy footwork of the dancers. The first ballerina to wear a tutu was also considered one of the best at the time. Her name was Marie Taglioni. These tutus were sewn just high enough for the audience to be able to see the feet of the dancer. They were made of long flowing fabric and the dancers looked like they were floating on air. The women of Paris dearly loved the Romantic ballet and getting dressed up in their flowing skirts with extra wide shoulders and narrow waist to attend the theaters that were gas lit. These gas lights were considered to be high class in that time. They were also very dangerous and many ballerinas and actors were hurt in accidents involving the lights. Marie Taglioni stayed involved in ballet for the next 28 years.


First as a dancer and then as a choreographer the ballet in Paris flourished and spread around the world. Dancers were encouraged to have flame retardant added to their costumes but most refused as it made the tutus not hang correctly. The flame retardant also discolored the fabric. The flame retardant also turned the fabric yellow. Marie had spotted the talent of Emma Livry. They had a successful run with the ballet La Papillion in 1860 which Marie choreographed and Emma danced to the lead role as a butterfly. Finishing the run of this ballet Marie was again working to cast Emma Livry in a new ballet called The Dumb Girl of Portici. During rehearsals for the ballet Emma's tutu caught on fire.


Mlle. Augustine Malot ignored her own danger and tried to put out the fire many times. Unfortunately all that happened was that she tore shred from the burning tutu. Finally Pluque, another dancer, was able to put out the fire but not until after Emma was severely burned. Of course, medicine in those days was very primitive. No exact account exists of how Emma was treated, but the normal practice at the time was to put egg white on the burn to seal the skin. She suffered for eight months before finally passing on at age 21 ending the age of the Romantic ballet in Paris.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/the-romantic-tutu-has-a-tragic-past-emma-livrys-life-4569052.html

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Monday, March 28, 2011

Points To Consider While Buying Jazz Dance Sneakers

Author: Jason Potter

Jazz is a beautiful dance form. But to dance beautifully you need have comfortable dancing shoes to move your feet freely and enhance your performance. So you have to be careful while choosing your jazz dance sneakers and shoes.


There are varieties of dance shoes available in the market. The most popular of all is jazz sneaker or the dance sneaker. However, several factors should be taken into account before buying jazz shoes. Some of them are discussed below : Comfort: Comfort is the most important factor while choosing jazz shoes. Your Jazz shoes must keep your feet comfortable while dancing. You must always look for those shoes that can give your feet a good amount of spring and flexibility. This will help you move and turns easily and comfortably. The unique design and style of Jazz dance sneakers allows you to do jazz dancing efficiently and beautifully. Material: After comfort, you should look after the material of the jazz shoes / sneakers, whit which they are made. Always choose jazz shoes made of soft leather and mesh or Polyurethane & mesh so that it will keep your feet cool and comfortable and allow you dance freely. Sole Sole is the most important part of any shoes. Always choose the Jazz shoes considering the floor where you have to dance. If you have to dance on many different floor types you may require a dance sneaker with a rubber compound sole but if you plan to be dancing on wood floors only, suede soled shoes are always more superior. Heels There are both high-rise as well as low rise Jazz shoes. You can buy high rise shoes but they often are not well suited to modern day requirements. Now a days most people buy low profile heels for the dance sneakers. The low profile heels with lower centre of gravity that offers better balance and support. This prevents ankle sprains and other injuries. Size: While buying jazz sneakers or jazz shoes check the size carefully. Make sure you try the shoe and see if it fits you properly or not. The shoe must neither be tight nor loose as in both the cases, you can hurt your feet and hamper your mood and performance.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/points-to-consider-while-buying-jazz-dance-sneakers-4489427.html

About the Author

About the Author The author is an expert writer having vast knowledge in different style of dance form and dance

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