Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dance for three people: Specifically in ballet, a "pas de trois" is a choreographed dance piece performed by three dancers. It is a formal term for a trio in classical ballet.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ballet's second act features a beautiful pas de trois.
  • She was selected to perform the lead role in the pas de trois.

Advanced Usage

• As a specific ballet term: The term is used to denote a specific, often named, trio within a larger ballet production. It implies a structured composition with specific choreographic conventions for three dancers.
  • The "Bluebird Pas de Trois" from The Sleeping Beauty is a famous example.

Variants and Related Words

• Pas de deux (n): A dance for two people in ballet.
• Pas de quatre (n): A dance for four people in ballet.
• Trio (n): A group of three people performing together, a more general term not specific to ballet.

Synonyms

• Ballet trio: A descriptive synonym in English.
• Dance for three: A literal, non-technical description.

Notes on Usage

• The term "pas de trois" is a direct borrowing from French and retains its original spelling and italics in formal English writing. In less formal contexts, italics may be omitted.
• It is a specialized term used almost exclusively within the context of classical ballet and dance criticism.

Noun

1. (ballet) a dance for three people