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Figure skating and ballet look like they have quite a bit in common, but there are some distinguishing differences between the two as well. Figure skating was just used for fun, at first, and ballet was used to impress and put on a show for royalty. When watching ballet and figure skating, most people would probably say that they are the same except one is on ice and the other isn’t, but the more information gathered about the two, the more that the differences are shown, like how they are classified as a “sport” or as an “art.” Although figure skating and ballet have a lot in common and look similar in some circumstances, they still differ with many other characteristics.

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The history of figure skating and ballet tell where both activities started their journey. Wukovits states that ice skating originated in Scotland. Colonists from Europe then brought it along with them, and it was a big hit in the United States. The original association in America was begun by Philadelphians in 1849. Jackson Haines changed the sport forever by adding skating and dancing together. This idea was frowned upon at first, but then, people started using it for competitions (47-48). With ballet on the other hand, Rinaldi states that Russia brought ballet to the world and shared their knowledge with Europe. It’s believed that any European country could have completely introduced it to the United States. Ballet was highly motivated by the popular moves in Europe. Even though ballet acquires similar dancing, it is a form of a precise type of theatrical show. During the Renaissance time period the people had enthusiasm in trying to restore the arts. Three schools were made for classical ballet: The French School, The Italian School, and the Russian School. The French school was most known for the gracefulness. The Italian School was known for how complex it was. Then the Russian School was a combination of the French and Italian School together. Years later, the first ballet school in America was established and named the School of American Ballet (24-62). Both figure skating and ballet made their way from Europe across the ocean to America.

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The way that ballet and figure skating look while being performed can look identical in some ways, but there are many contrasting elements too. Tarnowski explains how ballet and figure skating can seem similar. There are equal principles with the two including the training they go through to be able to perform, choreographed pieces, outlines that the body forms, and the eye catching outfits (theodysseyonline.com). There are also noticeable differences like the fact that one is on ice and the other is usually on some type of stage, along with one wearing skates and the other having ballet or pointe shoes. Wukovits mentions that after the 1920s up until now the skaters have to show a series of skills and pass tests to qualify as competitors. Now, figure skating is an event in the Olympics (48-52). Tarnowski says that ballet wouldn’t be the same if it were an Olympic event. Ballet was originally designed as an indication for French royals. The men and women who performed showed off an upper-class society, fine arts, and the act of performing and not competing. If there was a judging system for ballet in the Olympics, it would be hard for them to keep it similar to the rest because ballet has distinguishing diverse aspects that are not matched to others (theodysseyonline.com). One of the biggest differences could potentially be that one is known as a “sport” and the other an “art” simply because of what they were initially made for, causing one to be a competitive sport and the other being more for performance.

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Therefore in conclusion, although ballet and figure skating appear similar, besides one being on ice and the other isn’t, there is still a distinct number of differences. People who participate in figure skating and ballet could definitely agree how they differ. Many enjoy watching the impressive turns and leaps or the intenceness of ballet and figure skating. Although figure skating and ballet have a lot in common and look similar in some circumstances, they still differ with many other characteristics.

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Rinaldi, Robin. World of Dance: Ballet Second Edition. Chelsea House Publishers, 2010.

Tarnowski, Alexandra. “Why Ballet Isn’t In The Olympics.” Odyssey, https://www. theodysseyonline.com/why-  isnt-ballet-the-olympics

Wukovits, John. The Encyclopedia of The Winter Olympics. Division of Scholastic Inc., 2001.