Ballet, as the art form we know today, had its roots in 17th century along with King Louis XIV of France ordering the founding of the Académie Royale de Danse. At first, all the roles, both male and female, were danced mostly by men. It wasn’t until the 18th century that women began to figure more prominently in the ballet world.

Ballet, as we know it today, began during the Renaissance around the year 1500 in Italy. In fact, the terms “ballet” and “ball” as in masked ball, come from the Italian ballare, to dance. When Catherine de Medici of Italy married the French King Henry II, she introduced early dance styles into court life in France.