corps de ballet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical (Ballet / Arts)
Quick answer
What does “corps de ballet” mean?
The group of dancers in a ballet company who perform together as an ensemble and do not usually take solo roles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The group of dancers in a ballet company who perform together as an ensemble and do not usually take solo roles.
Can metaphorically refer to any group that provides essential, collective support to main performers or leaders in an organization, often without individual recognition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Spelling remains French in both. Pronunciation of final 't' in 'ballet' may be slightly more enunciated in RP (UK).
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of high art, discipline, and a hierarchical structure within a ballet company.
Frequency
Used with similar low frequency in both varieties, primarily in arts contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corps de ballet” in a Sentence
[Subject/Verb] + the corps de ballet + [Action]the corps de ballet + [Verb]the + [Adjective] + corps de balletVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corps de ballet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was corpsing during rehearsal, which is unprofessional for the corps de ballet.
- They will be corpsing for the Royal Ballet next season.
American English
- She was corpsing during rehearsal, which is unprofessional for the corps de ballet.
- He corpsed brilliantly before being promoted.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form exists for this noun phrase]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form exists for this noun phrase]
adjective
British English
- Her corps-de-ballet training was evident in her precise ensemble work.
- A corps-de-ballet position is highly competitive.
American English
- Her corps-de-ballet experience gave her strong discipline.
- He has a corps-de-ballet mentality, always supporting the group.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could be used metaphorically: 'The new trainees form the corps de ballet of our customer service department.'
Academic
Used in dance history, performance studies, and cultural analysis texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only be used by someone discussing ballet.
Technical
Standard term in ballet and professional dance contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corps de ballet”
- Pronouncing the 's' in 'corps'.
- Misspelling as 'core de ballet'.
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The corps de ballet is...' is correct; it is a singular collective noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pronounce 'corps' like the English word 'core'. The 'ps' is silent. The full phrase is pronounced 'core duh bal-LAY'.
It is treated as a singular collective noun (e.g., 'The corps de ballet is on stage'). However, it refers to a group of people.
Yes, but only metaphorically. It can describe any group that performs essential but largely anonymous supportive work within a larger organization (e.g., 'the corps de ballet of the civil service').
They are conceptually similar. 'Corps de ballet' is the specific, traditional term for this group in classical ballet, carrying the art form's particular history and hierarchy. 'Ensemble' is a more general term used across theatre, music, and dance.
The group of dancers in a ballet company who perform together as an ensemble and do not usually take solo roles.
Corps de ballet is usually formal / technical (ballet / arts) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this specific phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The CORPS (like 'Marine Corps') of the BALLET – a disciplined, uniform group within the ballet world.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A BALLET COMPANY (where the corps de ballet represents the essential, coordinated, but often anonymous workforce).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of the corps de ballet?