Many of the ballet positions are derived from fencing.
Facts
Some quite interesting facts about fencing ... or they may just be rumours or actual lies.
-
Fencing and Ballet
-
Fencing in the Olympics
When the Olympics Games were revived from antiquity in 1896, fencing was on the program. It is one of just four sports to have been part of every Summer Games since then. Men's foil and sabre were part of the first Games; epee was added in 1900. Women competed in Olympic fencing for the first time in 1924.
-
Scotland's Last Duel
Few other institutions can match the history of Glasgow University Union. Founded in 1885, the Union was the scene of Scotland’s last ever duel in 1899; swords were drawn and blood was spilled over the election battle for the University Rectorship.
-
Bob Anderson - Fencing Master
Bob Anderson (1922-2012) was the fencing master who coached and acted as a stunt double in almost every modern film which contains any fencing. He also coached the British fencing team for 30 years. From Star Wars to James Bond; from Highlander to The Mask of Zorro; and from The Princes Bride to The Master of Ballantrae - he helped make them all. Reputedly during some rehearsals, he once slashed Errol Flynn in the thigh by accident, drawing blood, while the star was being distracted by a passing beauty. This led to Anderson's reputation among Hollywood insiders as "the man who stabbed Errol Flynn".
-
Fast moving hits
The tip of the fencing weapon is the second fastest moving object in sport after the marksman's bullet.
