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.
European dances
The 16th century Queen of France Catherine de' Medici promoted and popularized dance in France. Catherine helped develop the "ballet de cour." The production of the "Ballet Comique de la Reine" in 1581 is regarded by scholars as the first authentic ballet.