Editing Classical ballet (section)

{{Short description|Traditional, formal style of ballet}}
{{More footnotes|date=June 2019}}
[[File:Edgar Degas - The Dance Foyer at the Opera on the rue Le Peletier.jpg|thumb|Painting of ballet dancers by [[Edgar Degas]], 1872]] 
'''Classical ballet''' is any of the traditional, formal styles of [[ballet]] that exclusively employ classical [[ballet technique]]. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique (such as [[en pointe|pointe work]], [[turnout (ballet)|turnout]] of the legs, and high extensions), its flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.

There are stylistic variations related to an area or origin, which are denoted by classifications such as [[Russian ballet]], [[French ballet]], [[British ballet]] and [[Italian ballet]]. For example, Russian ballet features high extensions and dynamic turns, whereas Italian ballet tends to be more grounded, with a focus on fast, intricate footwork. Many of the stylistic variations are associated with specific training methods that have been named after their originators. Despite these variations, the performance and vocabulary of classical ballet are largely consistent throughout the world.