Ballet and Dance Companies in Spain

Find out everything about dance in Spain, from information on some of the best Spanish companies to dance auditions in Spain.

“Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made.”

Ted Shawn

 

Spain & Dance

Ballet, like all dance in general, has always had, has and will always have a prominent place in Spain.
Ballet and dance in Spain have a long and varied history. The origins of ballet in Spain are unclear. Some scholars believe ballet arrived in Spain via France, while others believe it originated in Italy. However, there is evidence that ballet was being performed in Spain as early as the 16th century. This type of dance, currently known as the Spanish Ballet or the Escuela Bolera, it was characterized by its graceful, flowing movements and is often performed to live music.
During the 17th century it also coexisted with the art of ballet, that was introduced to Spain by the French during the reign of Louis XIV. It quickly gained popularity in the Spanish court and soon became an important part of Spanish culture.
During the 18th century, Spanish ballet reached its peak with the development of the habanera, a Cuban dance that was adapted for the stage. This dance became extremely popular in Europe and was often performed by Spanish dancers.
The 19th century saw the rise of the Spanish Romantic ballet. This ballet style was characterized by its passionate and emotional storytelling. Some of the most famous Spanish ballets from this era include Carmen, Don Quixote, and Giselle.
The 20th century saw a decline in the popularity of ballet in Spain. However, the art form experienced a resurgence in the 21st century with the formation of new ballet companies and the rise of contemporary dance. Today, ballet and dance are an important part of Spanish culture. There are many ballet companies and schools throughout the country that offer classes and performances for both children and adults.

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Did you know that…?

Ballet began to gain popularity in Spain during the 18th century. This was due in part to the influence of the French court, which frequently visited Spain. During this time, several Spanish choreographers began to create their own ballets.
The most famous Spanish ballet is La Cenerentola (Cinderella), which was first performed in Madrid in 1780. This ballet was choreographed by Marius Petipa, who would go on to become one of the most influential ballet choreographers of all time.
During the 19th century, Spanish ballet began to decline in popularity. This was due in part to the Napoleonic Wars, which disrupted travel and communication between Spain and the rest of Europe. However, Spanish ballet began to rebound in the early 20th century, thanks in part to the work of choreographer Antonio Gades.

The Best Dance Institutions in Spain