The First Works of Albanian Ballet

Abstract

The article, “Beginnings of Albanian Ballet”, sheds light on the choreographic elements of the three national ballets: “Anusha”, “Halili and Hajria” and “Highland Maiden”, composed in the 60s. The first is treasured as the earliest composition in the chronology of the art, the second as the first complete ballet with an elaborate concept of form and high artistic values, whereas the third as a ballet that introduced innovations in artistic composition through the interweaving of elements of traditional and contemporary ballet. Although they are products of the social realism movement, in which, from our modern point of view, the restrictions of the times emerge, they also demonstrate a new artistic level, as well as an important stage in the development of the art of ballet as an original national art form. The talent and creative control of Albanian composers, librettists, choreographers and ballet dancers was confirmed in these ballets, which, along with their interesting subject matter, beautiful music composed of authentic Albanian motifs, offered beautifully choreographed numbers, which harmonized the vocabulary of classical ballet with other modes and forms of expression originating from the abundant Albanian tradition of dance, thus creating a unique and interesting new style. These ballets laid the foundations for the further development of authentic Albanian ballet, thus enriching the burgeoning art form, which had been established with great efforts, talent, dedication and love. Keywords: ballet, choreography, artistic, tool, national, dance, performance, dancer, classical, subject, truth, vocabulary.