In 1661, the first ballet school was opened in France. It was started by Louis XIV, and only men were allowed to dance. Women first danced the ballet in 1681. They did not look like the dancers of today, because they wore ankle-length dresses!

Throughout the beginning years, until 1789, the performers not only danced, but also recited poems and sang songs.

The dance steps taught so long ago in France are still used today. Most steps still have their original French names.

The basic five ballet positions were created in the 1600's by a French ballet teacher whose name was Beauchamps. These arm and leg positions helped the dancers to balance while still looking graceful. Most ballet steps and combinations begin with one of the basic positions. (these positions are shown on the link above, titled Ballet Basics)

all of this information above, all of it is from this web site: http://msms.essortment.com/balletdancingh_olh.htm

again none of this is our original work

Ballet was first performed in Italy in the early 1600's.