ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ballet

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //bæˈɫeɪ// UK //bˈæleɪ// bal·let General-service

n. a style of artistic dancing that tells a story using music and very precise movements. It is famous for its graceful style and the special shoes dancers wear to stand on their toes.

n. a highly technical form of performance dance characterized by formalized steps and gestures set to music. It typically involves elaborate costumes and scenery and follows a specific narrative or thematic structure.


SIMPLE

She practices ballet every afternoon after school.

CONTEXTUAL

The local theater company is performing a famous ballet during the winter holiday season.

COMPLEX

While modern interpretations often incorporate contemporary movement, classical ballet remains defined by its rigorous adherence to traditional positions and the pursuit of ethereal grace.

Origin

Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the art form or style of dance; countable when referring to a specific choreographed work or a professional dance company.

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