Final answer:
Common themes in 18th century ballets reflect the neoclassical emphasis on order and truth, Rococo frivolity and romance, and Romanticism's appreciation for love, the supernatural, and the exploration of emotional extremes within the narratives of ballets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common themes showcased in ballets in the 18th century often reflect the artistic movements and cultural influences of the time. The neoclassical movement, with its adherence to the principles of order, decorum, and the mimicking of classical antiquity, coincided with the Age of Enlightenment and contributed to the themes of ballet, emphasizing stories with an appearance of truth and probable actions. Additionally, the Rococo style, which favored frivolity and the ornate, influenced ballets with themes of amorality or romance typical of the aristocracy, while the Romantic movement introduced themes of love, the supernatural, and the emotional extremes of human existence, turning to narrative ballets that showcased not just technical dance but also storytelling that engaged the imagination.
In the realm of stylized dance forms, the blend of dramatic acting from French, English, Spanish, and Italian theatrical practices, such as large casts and complex plots, were incorporated into the thematic content of ballet productions. The moralistic turn of the Enlightenment also sought themes that depicted noble human behavior, pushing against the excesses previously endorsed by the Rococo movement. As such, ballet themes in the 18th century could vary greatly, from the light-hearted and indulgent to the morally instructive and emotionally resonant.