The history of dance pretty much goes back to when there was no history at all. Basically people have been dancing since people have existed at all. There are many different types of dance such as jazz, gymnastics, modern, tap, ect. but the main for I am focusing on is ballet. 

It is controversial whether the Italians or French began the dance for of ballet. But the French raised ballet to new heights as an art form. By the 14th and 15th centuries French Italy and Burgundy were all renowned for their fine dancing and entertainment. Many kings and dukes while hosting parties would have small dance parties. These started out small with a few routines but soon they started to get very elaborate. They even started adding fancy costumes, makeup, and intricate scenery.

Needless to sat by the 16th century ballet became more elaborate. Steps grew more and more in complication, dance instructors would tell their students to practice harder moves by holding on to the back of a chair. Although they didn't realize it this was the beginning of barre. Barre is a wooden or metal rail found in almost every ballet classroom. By now ballet was considered essential to every ladies and gentlemen's education.

France in the 17th century was considered to be the golden age for ballet. Composers Pierre Guedron, Antoine Boesset, Jeande Combefort, and many others were writing ballets de cour or court ballets. So many composers discovering new moves and routines. So much so that our ballet today hasn't changed too much since the 18th century. 

It is so interesting to look back at the early ages of ballet and see how they have made such progress through the years and still today dances are taking ballet to new extremes.