In 1661, the first ballet school was opened in France. It was started by Louis XIV, and only men were allowed to dance. Women first danced the ballet in 1681. Throughout the beginning years, until 1789, the performers not only danced, but also recited poems and sang songs. The dance steps taught so long ago in France are still used today.
Most steps still have their original French names.
The basic five ballet positions were created in the 1600's by a French ballet teacher whose name was Beauchamps. These arm and leg positions helped the dancers to balance while still looking graceful. Most ballet steps and combinations begin with one of the basic positions. Pas, which means step. Pas de chat, which means cat step.