History of ballet
Ballet originated in the Renaissance court as an outgrowth of court pageantry in Italy, where aristocratic weddings were lavish celebrations. Tutus, ballet slippers and pointe work were not yet used. The choreography was adapted from court dance steps. Performers dressed in fashions of the times. For women that meant formal gowns that covered their legs to the ankle. Early ballet was participatory, with the audience joining the dance towards the end.
Ballet Cymru
Ballet Cymru, formerly Independent Ballet Wales and, prior to that, Cwmni Ballet Gwent, is a touring classical ballet company based in Newport, South Wales, formed in 1986 by dancer and choreographer Darius James. Formed of 8 dancers, the company tours to around 70 venues each year throughout the UK. "The Independent" described them as "a brightly gifted, energetic young ensemble that tours England, Wales and Ireland, taking dance to smaller venues that might otherwise be starved of ballet."