Origins of Capoeira and Ballet
My most interesting discovery when researching the origins of ballet involved the creators of this art form. I honestly did not expect to discover that its makers were men. I was also surprised to discover that members of royalty were involved in this art form. I thought they would be viewers, not the first performers. It amazed me that even Louis XIV was one of them. Like Amanda, I usually associated ballet with femininity. I now see it differently. I felt more connected to it when I saw it as a beautiful feminine expression of dance. This finding enforced the idea of living in a male-dominated and created world. Although this I am able to connect to it less, I still find it a graceful style of dance.
I enjoyed looking up information on Capoeira even more than looking up information on ballet. Capoeira is such a respectable dance form, in my opinion, due to its history. I find it amazing that slaves actually used it to practice their own defensive and offensive moves. When comparing it to ballet, it still has a graceful form to it even though it was developed in a completely dissimilar manner. When watching Capoeira, I like to pick out which moves are supposed to represent what. Analyzing Capoeira is as enjoyable as watching it. When I danced Capoeira a few years ago, it was as rhythmic as any other fast-paced dance and required even more concentration. Besides focusing on the steps, you needed to concentrate on maneuvering your body away from your opponent’s moves. I connect more to Capoeira due to the respect I have for participators who have acquired the skill necessary to perform it.
- Shaziya