Ballerina: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A Ballerina is a female ballet dancer.

Although the term ballerina is used for any female ballet dancer it was originally a rank given to an exceptional ballet soloist in the Russian Imperial ballet companies. the rankings, from highest to lowest were:

• prima ballerina assoluta
• prima ballerina
• ballerina
• premieres danseur
• soloist
• coryphee
• corps de ballet

see also:

• Russian ballet
• Ballet company