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King Louis XIV of France was a passionate dancer and the patron of ballet. He established the first professional ballet academy, the Academie Royale de Danse, in 1661. This institution helped transform ballet from a court amusement into a professional art and standardized ballet technique.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries are considered the Golden Age of Russian Ballet when choreographers like Marius Petipa elevated the art with works such as 'Swan Lake' and 'The Sleeping Beauty'. This period saw the synthesis of music, dance, and design at its peak.

The Romantic era in the 19th century introduced narratives that often involved supernatural or exotic themes. Ballets like 'La Sylphide' and 'Giselle' epitomize this era, focusing on the expression of emotions and the supernatural. Ballerinas became the stars of the ballet, and the era's style influenced the aesthetics of ballet costumes and pointe work.

The Renaissance was a period of renewed interest in the arts and sciences. Ballet originated during the Italian Renaissance as a dance interpretation of fencing. Its impact on ballet includes the development of court ballets, which were a form of entertainment for the aristocracy and led to the codification of the first ballet steps.

Ballet on film expanded the audience for the art form through productions like 'The Red Shoes' (1948). The use of cinema introduced many to ballet, greatly impacting its popularity and bringing about a wider appreciation for this performing art.

Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russes was a groundbreaking company in the early 20th century that revolutionized ballet by infusing it with new ideas from art, music, and dance. Collaborations with artists like Picasso and composers like Stravinsky led to the creation of modern masterpieces such as 'The Rite of Spring'.

Catherine de' Medici, an Italian noblewoman who became queen of France, was instrumental in the development of early ballet by bringing Italian dance masters to the French court. This led to the fusion of Italian and French dance styles and the creation of elaborate court spectacles that were the precursors to classical ballet.

The 20th century saw a shift towards a leaner physique for ballet dancers, influenced by dancers such as George Balanchine's muses. This newfound athletic body type became synonymous with the aesthetic of ballet and changed the training and performance of ballet dancers.

During the Cold War, ballet was used as a means of cultural exchange between the Soviet Union and the West. Companies like the Bolshoi Ballet toured the United States, which helped to thaw diplomatic relations and influenced the global development of ballet.

17th and 18th-century innovations in ballet notation systems, such as those by Raoul-Auger Feuillet and Pierre Beauchamp, allowed for the recording and transmission of dance choreography. This standardized the teaching of ballet and preserved choreography across generations.

During the 18th century, ballet spread from France to other countries such as Russia, Denmark, and England. This expansion impacted ballet by incorporating local cultural elements, which diversified the art form and led to the development of national styles.

The Age of Ballet-Drama in the 18th century saw the integration of storyline and characters into ballet, with Jean-Georges Noverre championing the idea of expressive, dramatic ballet that tells a story – known as ballet d’action. This concept forever changed ballet by emphasizing storytelling.

The Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg became one of the leading ballet institutions in the late 19th century, under the directorship of Marius Petipa. His works, such as 'The Sleeping Beauty', 'The Nutcracker', and 'Swan Lake', have had a lasting impact on classical ballet repertory.

Pointe work developed in the early 19th century, allowing ballerinas to dance on the tips of their toes for an extended time. This innovation gave ballet a new ethereal quality and expanded the vocabulary of ballet steps.

During the Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976), Western influences were rejected, but ballet persisted as a form of propaganda. The creation of 'The Red Detachment of Women' is a notable example of how ballet was adapted to fit Chinese revolutionary themes.

Ballet was included in the cultural programs of the 20th-century Olympic Games, showcasing the art form's athleticism and technical rigor. This helped to solidify ballet's status as an athletic endeavor as well as an artistic one.

In the late 20th century, contemporary ballet emerged, blending the lines between classical ballet and modern dance. This movement led by choreographers such as William Forsythe brought innovation to ballet aesthetics and athleticism, expanding the contemporary ballet repertoire.

The Bournonville School, developed by August Bournonville in the 19th century, focuses on expressive pantomime, fluid arms, and quick footwork. His choreography, exemplified by works like 'La Sylphide', influenced the Danish ballet tradition and remains a cornerstone of the Royal Danish Ballet.

Rudolf Nureyev's defection from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961 brought international attention to ballet and lifted the status of male dancers in the West. His charismatic performances and partnerships with dancers like Margot Fonteyn, brought new levels of artistry and athleticism to ballet.

Jean-Baptiste Lully, a composer and dancer, collaborated with Louis XIV and significantly influenced the development of French court ballet. He composed music for the ballets that participated in solidifying the five positions of the feet - the foundation of ballet technique.

This event was the first ballet de cour, a staged performance that mixed music, poetry, design, and dance. It marked the beginning of ballet as a professional art form and influenced the standard theatrical form.

George Balanchine was a choreographer who shaped modern ballet by stripping away ornate costumes and sets to focus on dance. He founded the New York City Ballet and contributed to the development of neoclassical ballet, which emphasizes the purity of ballet technique.

After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the method of training dancers in Russia was systematized into what is known as the Vaganova method, affecting the technical precision and expressiveness of ballet. Many Russian dancers defected to the West, greatly influencing Western ballet with their rigorous technique.

In the mid-20th century, there was a ballet renaissance in America with the founding of major companies like the American Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet. This increased the popularity of ballet in the U.S. and fostered the development of a distinctly American style of ballet.

The Paris Opera Ballet, originating in the court of Louis XIV, is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Its impact on ballet includes being the birthplace of many foundational ballet techniques and hosting the influential annual international ballet competition 'Prix de Lausanne'.

Ballet flourished during the Soviet era despite the strict control of artistic expression. Companies like the Kirov (now Mariinsky) Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet were important in maintaining and progressing the art form, especially through works that aligned with socialist themes.

After World War II, there was a significant growth in ballet's popularity in England with the establishment of The Royal Ballet. Under the direction of Ninette de Valois and choreography of Frederick Ashton, English ballet grew in prestige and developed its own character.

In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, highlighting the issues of race and diversity in ballet. Her historic promotion has inspired a push for greater inclusivity and representation in the ballet world.