noun
ballet
ba-LAY/bæˈleɪ/
A formal theatrical dance tradition using stylized graceful movement.
The ballet dancer holds an arabesque with one leg extended behind her.
Etymology
The pieces give “little dance.” The word came to name theatrical dancing that represented stories and emotions through gestures and groupings, connecting the simple dance term to the formal performance style.
In context
I went then age seven to the Janice satton School of Dance and did my my very first ballet classes
More examples
- She has studied ballet since childhood.
- The company performed a new ballet based on a folk tale.
- The visiting ballet begins its tour next week.
Forms
ballet · ballets
balletic adjective — Resembling the graceful movements of ballet.
Similar words
- dance
- Is the broad art of patterned movement rather than this tradition.
- choreography
- Names the design of movements rather than a dance form or company.