Enrico Cecchetti Research Paper

The Cecchetti method is internationally recognized by many dance educators as one of the top, if not the preeminent method of teaching ballet. This is a result of the extraordinary brilliance and influence Enrico Cecchetti had during his life time as a dancer, mime and teacher. His career, which spanned 78 years (1850-1928) and extended all over Europe, influenced various major ballet teaching methods and performing styles which can be seen today. Cecchetti developed and established a method of teaching, which followed a weekly lesson plan, sound placement of movement and steps carefully defined by anatomic principals. Cecchetti's development in teaching with due care and attention to the musical, anatomical, mathematical and artistic aspects of ballet. Cecchetti is a legacy in the world of

He enrolled in a ballet academy in Florence at the age of 13. This academy was run by Giovanni Lepri, a former student of Carlo Blassis, a renowned instructor and theorist who is widely regarded for his scholarly approach to dance teaching and for establishing the Italian school of dance. These theories clearly resonated with Cecchetti as many of these scholarly theories (anatomy and physics) are what the he later based his entire method around. It was also at this school that Cecchetti is said to have helped fellow dancers and realize his inclination for teaching. While realizing this he was also one of the most sought after dancers in Europe and was subsequently invited to dance with a variety of companies. Going on to dance with many of Italy's most famous ballerinas at the time. All while choreographing new works and applying his techniques to longstanding traditional movements to gradually develop what is now referred to as the Cecchetti method of