in 1813, the first ballet performance in brazil took place at the são joão royal theater of rio de janeiro - it was around the time that the portuguese court came to brazil as a result of the conflict and threats of invasion received by french leader napoleon, during the napoleonic wars, thus rio was refurbished and received significant cultural development and influences to custom the desires of the court.

historically, this type of dance had been developed in italy, back in the 17th century, arriving in the wake of the renaissance and the newly found interest in the classic arts and symbolisms.

from that point on it became a type of dance very appreciated in the higher spheres of european society - it found a very enthusiastic niche in the czarist russia, but remained somewhat unknown in south america for many years.