Definition

1. Noun:
   • A leading female ballet dancer: A "prima ballerina" is the principal female dancer in a ballet company. She performs the most prominent and technically demanding roles.

Usage

• The term "prima ballerina" is used to denote the highest rank for a female dancer in classical ballet. It is a formal title within a ballet company's hierarchy.
• It is used as a singular noun. The plural form is "prima ballerinas."

Examples

• Noun:
  • She was promoted to prima ballerina after her stunning performance in Swan Lake.
  • The company's prima ballerina will be dancing the lead role in Giselle tonight.

Advanced Usage

• "Prima ballerina assoluta": This is an honorary title, even higher than prima ballerina, bestowed on a dancer of exceptional skill and historical importance.
  • Maya Plisetskaya was given the title prima ballerina assoluta.

Variants and Related Words

• Ballerina (n): A female ballet dancer.
  • The young ballerina practiced her pirouettes.
• Principal dancer (n): A leading dancer of either gender in a ballet or dance company.
  • He is a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.

Synonyms

• Lead dancer: The main performer in a dance piece.
• Star dancer: A dancer who is the featured performer.

Related Phrases

• Prima donna: While literally meaning "first lady" in opera, this term is sometimes used figuratively and negatively to describe a person, especially in other fields, who is temperamental and self-important. It is related in structure but distinct in meaning and connotation from "prima ballerina."
  • He's a brilliant scientist but has a reputation for being a prima donna.

Noun

1. a leading female ballet dancer