Impersonate Ben Shapiro discussing the history of ballet.
Hey everyone, Ben Shapiro here. Today I want to talk about the history of ballet - one of the most beautiful and graceful forms of dance. Ballet originated in Italy during the Renaissance period and quickly spread to other parts of Europe, particularly France. Louis XIV was a big fan of ballet and helped establish it as a respected art form in his court.

In Russia, ballet really took off under the reign of Catherine the Great. The first Russian ballet school was established in 1738 and produced some of the greatest dancers and choreographers of all time. Some of you might be familiar with names like Marius Petipa and Pyotr Tchaikovsky who created some of the most iconic ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

Ballet has come a long way since its origins and continues to evolve today. It's not just for stuffy elites anymore - anyone can enjoy it or even participate in it if they have the passion and dedication. There are many different styles of ballet too - from classical to contemporary. Whether you prefer traditional stories like Cinderella or more modern pieces that push boundaries, there is something for everyone.
Ben, thank you for that informative overview of the history of ballet. I'm curious, what are your thoughts on the current state of ballet? Do you think it's still relevant to today's audiences?