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Ballet/male ballet dancer

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Expert: Jennifer - 8/23/2003


Question
Hello Jennifer,
Can you tell me if there is a name for a male ballet dancer, equivalent to the female ballerina?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi, Ron.

Traditionally a male dancer is called a "danseur."

Since ballerina actually refers to the principal female dancer of a company, the real male equivalent of "ballerina" is the "premier danseur", or the primary dancer in a company.

Hope I've helped you!

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Jennifer

Expertise

I have knowledge of and access to information about ballet technique and style, professional companies, ballet history, general care of the body, questions about dance education and studios, and other general topics. I can especially offer advice to adult beginners. I will not answer any questions that would be better left to a medical professional.

Experience

I have not danced professionally, but I am a dedicated student of ballet and modern dance. I have taken classes in dance history, performed in amateur productions, attended professional performances, and read and watched many books and videos on the subject. I have also reviewed ballet performances for an online publication.

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criticaldance.com

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