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.
History of ballet
The etymology of the word "ballet" reflects its history. The word "ballet" comes from French and was borrowed into English around the 17th century. The French word in turn has its origins in Italian "balletto", a diminutive of "ballo" (dance). "Ballet" ultimately traces back to Italian "ballare", meaning ""to dance"".