Corps de ballet facts for kids

The corps de ballet (pronounced "core duh bal-LAY") is a special group of dancers in a ballet company. They are not the main stars or "soloists" who dance alone. Instead, the corps de ballet dances together as a team. They help create beautiful scenes and support the solo dancers.

What is the Corps de Ballet?

The term "corps de ballet" comes from French and means "body of the ballet." These dancers work together to perform many parts of a ballet. They are like the backbone of a ballet performance.

Working as a Team

The dancers in the corps de ballet often perform in large groups. They move in perfect sync, creating amazing patterns and shapes on stage. For example, they might be the graceful "Flowers" in the famous "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker.

Supporting the Soloists

Sometimes, the corps de ballet acts as a living background for the main dancers. They can set the mood or create a scene, like the villagers in the "mad scene" from Giselle. Their movements and positions help draw attention to the soloists. This makes the main dancer's performance even more powerful.

Why They Are Important

The corps de ballet is very important to any ballet. They bring the story to life and make the stage look full and exciting. Without them, many famous ballets would not be complete. They show how teamwork is essential in dance.

Images for kids

• 

  In this scene from Swan Lake, the corps de ballet is forming a "V" at the front of the stage. They are directing attention to the principal dancer in the spotlight. The dancers behind her are also corps de ballet and form a backdrop.

See also

In Spanish: Cuerpo de ballet para niños