Does 'Bolshoi Ballet' refer to the building or the company?

Primarily the ballet company. The building is the 'Bolshoi Theatre' (Большой театр), which is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera.

How do you pronounce 'Bolshoi'?

In English, it is commonly pronounced /bɒlˈʃɔɪ/ (bol-SHOY) in British English and /boʊlˈʃɔɪ/ (bohl-SHOY) in American English. The original Russian is closer to /bɐlʲˈʂoj/.

Can I use 'Bolshoi' alone to mean the ballet company?

Yes, in context (e.g., 'She dances for the Bolshoi'), it is widely understood, though 'Bolshoi Ballet' is the full, formal name.

Is the Bolshoi Ballet only classical, or does it perform modern works?

While its core identity and global fame are built on classical masterpieces like 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker', the Bolshoi Ballet's repertoire also includes many 20th-century and contemporary works.

Is “bolshoi ballet” formal?

Bolshoi ballet is usually formal / cultural in register.

bolshoi ballet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌbɒl.ʃɔɪ ˈbæl.eɪ/US/ˌboʊl.ʃɔɪ bæˈleɪ/

Formal / Cultural

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Quick answer

What does “bolshoi ballet” mean?

The prestigious, world-renowned Russian classical ballet company based in Moscow, founded in 1776.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The prestigious, world-renowned Russian classical ballet company based in Moscow, founded in 1776.

Often used as a metonym for the highest standard of classical Russian ballet training, technique, and grandiose style, characterised by dramatic expression, athleticism, and large-scale productions. It can also refer loosely to the style or repertoire associated with that company.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. The word 'Ballet' in the name is pronounced with its respective regional phonology.

Connotations

In both varieties, it connotes supreme artistic excellence, tradition, and Russian cultural heritage. The historical association with the Soviet era can add a layer of political connotation in certain academic or historical contexts.

Frequency

Equal frequency in cultural, artistic, and news discourse in both regions. Likely more frequently encountered in the UK due to geographical proximity and historical cultural exchanges with Europe.

Grammar

How to Use “bolshoi ballet” in a Sentence

[The] Bolshoi Ballet + [perform/be/show] + [title of ballet][Subject] + [be/dance/be recruited] + with/for/in + [the] Bolshoi Ballet[The] style/technique/tradition + of + [the] Bolshoi Ballet

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

The Bolshoi BalletBolshoi Ballet companyBolshoi Theatredancer with the Bolshoi BalletBolshoi Ballet school

medium

see the Bolshoi Balletjoin the Bolshoi Ballethistoric Bolshoi Balletworld-famous Bolshoi BalletBolshoi Ballet production

weak

traditional Bolshoi BalletRussian Bolshoi BalletBolshoi Ballet performancetour of the Bolshoi Balletlegacy of the Bolshoi Ballet

Examples

Examples of “bolshoi ballet” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

She trained in the quintessential Bolshoi Ballet style.
It was a Bolshoi Ballet production of 'Swan Lake'.

American English

He has that powerful, Bolshoi Ballet technique.
They watched a documentary on Bolshoi Ballet history.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in contexts of arts management, international touring, or sponsorship (e.g., 'Securing the Bolshoi Ballet's tour was a major coup for the agency.').

Academic

Common in studies of dance history, Slavic studies, cultural history, and performance arts (e.g., 'The Bolshoi Ballet's repertoire evolved significantly in the Soviet period.').

Everyday

Used in general cultural conversation, news about the arts, and travel (e.g., 'We managed to get tickets for the Bolshoi Ballet when we were in Moscow.').

Technical

Specific in dance criticism, ballet pedagogy, and theatre production, referring to technique, lineage, or production style (e.g., 'Her jumps have the distinctive power of the Bolshoi Ballet school.').

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “bolshoi ballet”

Neutral

the Bolshoithe Bolshoi company

Weak

Russian classical balletMoscow ballet company

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “bolshoi ballet”

Incorrect: 'a Bolshoi ballet' (using lower-case 'b' for ballet when part of the proper name).
Incorrect: 'Bolshoi Ballets' (as a plural for the company name; the company is singular). Correct: 'Bolshoi Ballet productions'.
Misspelling: 'Bolshoy Ballet' or 'Bolshi Ballet'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Primarily the ballet company. The building is the 'Bolshoi Theatre' (Большой театр), which is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera.
: In English, it is commonly pronounced /bɒlˈʃɔɪ/ (bol-SHOY) in British English and /boʊlˈʃɔɪ/ (bohl-SHOY) in American English. The original Russian is closer to /bɐlʲˈʂoj/.
: Yes, in context (e.g., 'She dances for the Bolshoi'), it is widely understood, though 'Bolshoi Ballet' is the full, formal name.
: While its core identity and global fame are built on classical masterpieces like 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker', the Bolshoi Ballet's repertoire also includes many 20th-century and contemporary works.
: The prestigious, world-renowned Russian classical ballet company based in Moscow, founded in 1776.
: Bolshoi ballet is usually formal / cultural in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'BOLSHOI' sounds like 'BIG SHOW' – which is exactly what this grandiose, world-famous Russian ballet company is known for.

Conceptual Metaphor

AN INSTITUTION IS A MONUMENT (e.g., 'a pillar of classical dance', 'an enduring icon of Russian culture').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Dancing the lead role in 'Giselle' at the Theatre was the pinnacle of her career.

Multiple Choice

What is the most accurate description of the term 'Bolshoi Ballet' in standard English usage?