Ballerina

The prima ballerina (from lat. Prima - “first”) is a ballerina who occupies the first position in the theater, a leading soloist of the troupe, who performs the main roles in performances. This is a dancer of the highest qualification, possessing a unique originality in the interpretation of roles, high technique and artistry ^[1] . This title also came to Russia from Italy, but most often it is used purely nominally - in the press, interviews, critical reviews, etc. At the same time, soloists of some Russian theaters (for example, the Stanislavsky Musical Theater and Vl. I. Nemirovich-Danchenko ) carry this title officially.

In English-speaking countries, the phrase English is used to indicate the highest status of a ballerina . principal dancer - "the main dancer" (also a dancer), in France - the phrase première danseuse , "first dancer".

In the ballet troupe of the Paris Opera , traditionally having its own complex hierarchy , throughout the 19th century the leading dancer was called the “first plot” ( French première sujet ). Actresses and artists who were able to rise to the highest level of the career ladder of this troupe, from the end of the 19th century began to bear the title of “ star ” ( French étoile ). This status, which appeared in 1895 ^{[ specify ]} as a “story etual” ( fr. sujet étoile ), finally entrenched in the 20th century. In 1938, the ballerina Solange Schwartz became the first to be officially elevated to the rank of dancer - “etuali” ( French danseuse étoile ).

Prima ballerina assoluta

Since 1805 some Italian dancers began to add the word assoluta - “absolute” to their prima ballerina title, thus emphasizing their primacy in the profession and the fact that they have no rivals on the stage. In Russia at the end of the 19th century, they called Pierina Legnani , then, at the beginning of the 20th century, this title was worn by Anna Pavlova , who became world famous after she left Russia and began touring with her troupe in various countries.

Later, some dancers received this title officially. So, in the 1970s, the Berlin Senate decided to award ballerina Eva Evdokimova with this title after she became a soloist with West Berlin German opera ^[2] ; in 1979, on its 60th anniversary, this title, with the consent of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, was received by the soloist of the London Royal Ballet Margot Fontaine ; and in 1984, South African President Peter Botha awarded the title to the South African ballet dancer .

Currently, this rare title is used only symbolically, as a sign of recognition of the outstanding talent of the famous artist and is usually considered as honor and not official status.

Premier is a dancer who has the highest position in rank in his ballet troupe.