Final answer:
Ballet is a dance form with origins in Italian dance, evolving significantly from the 17th to 19th Centuries, influencing various aspects of performance art. Degas' works such as 'The Ballet Class' capture the essence of ballet. Dance plays a significant role in cultural storytelling and evolutionary development in the arts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word ballet is rooted in historical dance forms that have evolved through the centuries. Originally, ballet incorporated elements of Italian dance as developed by figures such as Guglielmo Ebreo. Over time, the art form adapted to fit the tastes of different periods, undergoing significant transformation particularly during the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries. The fusion of classical music and stylized dance forms led to the creation of both ballet and opera. These performance arts were central to dramatic storytelling across Europe and eventually influenced the development of contemporary American musicals with their blend of popular music, dance, and singing.
Dance as a performing art form is defined by its choreography, movement repertoire, and its historical context or origin. Iconic artists like Degas, with works such as 'The Ballet Class', emphasized the form and positions of the ballet dancer's body, using mediums like pastel and gouache to bring the subject to life on canvas. Similarly, dance had wider social and evolutionary implications, contributing to cultural traditions and innovation in performance art across the world.