Russian ballet (also known as Russian caviar ballet) (in Russian: vernacular: vernavakh’), a style of classical ballet, is considered to be the Russian equivalent of contemporary ballets such as Russian ballerinas, ballets by the Russian intelligentsia, or ballets by European ballets. This type of ballet is characterized by its use of classical Russian music, choreographed movements, complex themes, and costumes. Russian ballet is performed on a grand scale, usually in theaters or large halls. Russian ballerinas and their costumes are very extravagant, and are a central focus of the dance. Many of the dances are extremely theatrical and are based on themes and situations from ancient plays. Russian ballet is divided into three main types.
The first type, known as Russian National Ballet, is made up of women who were forced to perform because of their gender. The women were required to perform at various important public events and ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and military maneuvers. In order to perform in such events, these women learned classical ballet and then taught themselves at home. This Russian folk dance has been criticized by Western professionals as being incredibly theatrical and overly exaggerated. There is no conclusive evidence that Russian ballet, in its original form, had anything to do with Russian history, or that it was influenced by Russian autocrats.
The second type of Russian ballet is called Russian School Ballet and was created by some Russian women who wanted to develop an art form similar to American country western or European ballet. They designed their dances around popular Russian songs, which they then choreographed and put to music. The third type is called Russian Old Ballet, and it is similar to the American Old Style. However, Russian school dancers still use a variety of modern dance styles to create these complex dances.