Dear Colin,
Can you tell me what a male ballet dancer is called?
Kathy
Dear Kathy
That’s exactly what they are called – male dancers! Originally in Italy they were known as ‘ballerinos’ but this was never used outside of that country. In France they are called ‘danseurs’ and this is occasionally used in other countries, but in English speaking countries the regular term is simply ‘male dancers’. In The Australian Ballet they are also know by the rank they have obtained in the company – corps de ballet, coryphée, soloist, senior artist and our top rank, principal artist. You can learn more about our male dancers on our website.
Best wishes,
Colin
Dear Colin,
My nine-year-old son Orlando is only one of two boys enrolled in our local small town dance school. Although he is extremely dedicated, how can we encourage his continuing involvement in dance during future years when his resolve may be tested?
Rhonda
Dear Rhonda
The main problem with learning dance in a small town dance school is the lack of competition for male dancers. Males need to feel challenged so that they do not lose interest. As there is only one other male in the school, I suggest that you stimulate his interest with DVDs of dance, especially ones where the male dancers exhibit athletic as well as aesthetic excellence . It would also be a good idea if his teacher occasionally rewarded his hard work by allowing him to join a higher class. Finally, ask the teacher of the school to join The Australian Ballet Buddies programme. This allows the students of the school to correspond with a company dancer and, when the occasion arises, meet with them. More information can be found on our website .
Best wishes,
Colin
You can email your ballet questions to Colin at hello@behindballet.com
Great answer about what to call male dancers – seems as if that question comes up a lot!
Who is that male dancer in the image that posted with the mirrors?
Hi Mondo, that’s Senior Artist Kevin Jackson in the mirror photograph.
Hello Colin:
Hi my name is Alejandro I aa aged 25 started to studding ballet since 23 ive been working with royal technique adn i really love the way my body and moves have evolve this started as a hobby but i really like it but its kidn of frustrating i work as an arquitect half day the other half i do ballet i would like to keep going but maybe i get too late into, i ahve skills as flexibiliti and ahve dance for all my life in other styles but always wanted to do ballet also been trained as figure skater and gimnast, my daubt is about am i too old for ballet?
Never I believe all me of all ages (stable enough) should be able to do ballet if they truel have a passion for it becuase if u do have a heart of a true dancer u wouldn’t give up no matter how old or wat apstacle gets in your way
Pingback: Male Ballet Dancer Is Called | BALLET DANCE