Ballet

One of the most popular forms of dance that is still performed all over the world is ballet.  Ballet is a very strict form of dance where a person’s posture, arm movement, feet placement and focus have to be perfectly placed.  It originated in Italy, and was performed between acts of classical comedies, tragedies, and operas called intermezzos.  By the "18^th century the center of dance activity had moved from Italy to France.  This is where most of the ballet terms know to people is from.  In almost every ballet term used, there are meanings that describe the movement being done.  For example, releve which means to rise and the movement would be to rise to the balls of your feet."  It wasn’t until the 20^th century that the art form of ballet took root in the United States.  Lots of different styles emerged from ballet like religious dancing, folk dancing, (as well as the most popular form of dance today) modern, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.  Ballet is the foundation to all dance styles.

Reference:
Wendy Burke. (2010). "Dance History." Dance4it.com. 13 Feb. 2011.