WordGarden.ioballerina
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˌælərˈiːnə/
US
- /ˌbælərˈinə/
Meanings
Noun
a woman who performs as a ballet dancer
a flat women's shoe styled like a ballet slipper
Beyond the definition
Imagine a figure gliding across the stage, seemingly weightless, telling stories with every elegant movement — that is what a ballerina is often like. The term usually refers to a female dancer trained in classical ballet and a member of a ballet company. It is more than just someone who dances; it implies years of rigorous training and mastery of classical technique. You might see ballerinas in iconic works like "Swan Lake" or "The Nutcracker."
A ballerina is not only a dancer — she is an artist who embodies grace, strength, and precision through the art of ballet. The term comes from Italian ballerina, meaning "female ballet dancer," and in many contexts it also suggests a high level of training and accomplishment in classical dance. Historically, especially in some Russian traditions, "ballerina" was a rank for exceptional female principal dancers — a title earned through long preparation and artistic merit.
Today, while not always an official title in every company, it is commonly used for female dancers in a ballet troupe, especially those performing major repertoire roles. Many modern dancers master techniques like plié, pirouette, and arabesque — movements that demand strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Ballerinas are not only about beautiful poses. They are storytellers who use the body to convey emotion, character, and narrative through movement. Think of Odette in "Swan Lake" or Clara in "The Nutcracker": these characters come alive through the skill and artistry of the ballerina portraying them.
So, when you hear the word "ballerina," imagine more than just a person who dances; picture a dedicated artist committed to a demanding, expressive form of classical dance.
Examples
- 1
Childhood dream
As a child, Maya dreamed of becoming a ballerina and performing on a big stage.
- 2
Dance company
The company hired two new ballerinas for its winter production.
- 3
Figurative movement
Even in heavy boots, he moved across the floor like a ballerina.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ballerinanoun
Forms
- ballerinaspluralnoun