Ballet is a type of performance dance that originated in the fifteenth century, during the Italian Renaissance, and later developed into a form of concert dance in mainly in Russia. It is a highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French terminology. Its introduction and evolution has had profound and widespread effects, defining foundational techniques used in many other dance genres. Ballet is taught around the world, and many cultures have incorporated their own interpretations. The art has consequently evolved in numerous distinct ways.

A ballet work consists of the choreography and music for a ballet production performed by trained dancers. Classical ballets are typically performed with classical music accompaniment and may use elaborate costumes and staging, whereas modern ballets are frequently performed in simpler leotards and tights and without the use of elaborate sets.

During the early nineteenth century, as corsets came into use, body-hugging costumes designed to show off the curves on a ballerina became more popular. Corsages, dazzling costumes decorated with jewels, and even floral accessories were used.

In the twentieth century, costumes tended back to those of the original classical ballet. Skirts worn by ballerinas evolved into knee-length tutus in order to show off the precise pointe work of dancers. Colours became much more vibrant, and designers used red, orange and yellow to create visual impact and expression on stage.