Final answer:
The Italian precursor to ballet is the intermedio, a 16th-century theatrical form that included music, dance, and storytelling, influencing the narrative aspect of ballet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Italian precursor to ballet is c. intermedio. The intermedio was a form of theatrical entertainment in Italy during the 16th century that involved music, dance, and often elaborate stage design and costuming. This form served as a precursor to the development of ballet by providing a context in which dance was used to convey a narrative, a fundamental aspect of ballet. Similar to the intermedio, the commedia dell'arte also played a significant role in the Italian theater tradition, employing stock characters in improvisational performances that had an impact on comedic writing and acting styles across Europe.