The Ideological Origins of the Nationalization of Russian Ballet in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century

The article analyses the process of nationalization of Russian ballet in the first half of the nineteenth century. The study of the development of the Russian ballet is placed within the context of political and social thought in the Russian Empire during the first half of the nineteenth century. The nationalization of Russian ballet refers to the process of forming the Russian ballet style. The process of nationalization of Russian ballet was synchronized with the prevalence of romanticism and nationalism in Russia in the nineteenth century. In Russian theatres, ballet content shifted from the classicalism of Western Europe, represented by ancient Greek mythology, to historical themes that showcased Russian national characteristics. In the field of ballet education, dance and drama were separated, and Russian ballet techniques were formed. Therefore, the development of Russian ballet in the first half of the nineteenth century reflected the transformation of Russian social thought, namely, the shift from Westernization to nationalization and Russification. It is worth noting that Charles Didelot played an important role in the process of nationalizing Russian ballet, and his career and creative journey can be seen as a concentrated display of the development of Russian ballet and social ideological changes.