Why did the ballerina become more prominent than the male dancer during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, the prominence of the ballerina over the male dancer was primarily driven by the rise of Romanticism in ballet. This artistic movement shifted the focus of performances toward ethereal, supernatural themes, such as spirits, fairies, and sylphids, which were best embodied by female dancers.123

Several key factors contributed to this shift:

• Technical Innovation: The development of pointe work (dancing on the tips of the toes) allowed ballerinas to project a spiritual, otherworldly quality that perfectly matched the Romantic aesthetic.12
• Costume Reform: Ballerinas began wearing shortened skirts, which facilitated more complex footwork and highlighted their increasing technical virtuosity.34
• Thematic Focus: Choreographers moved away from neoclassical subjects to emphasize expressive, emotional narratives where the ballerina served as the central, idealized heroine.31
• Cultural Influence: The era saw the rise of a wealthy middle-class audience and professional dance critics who celebrated the individual qualities and international fame of stars like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Elssler, effectively overshadowing the male dancer in most major European centers.12