What Are Background Dancers Called in Ballet?

Ballet

Background dancers in ballet are often called “corps de ballet” or “corps”. This term refers to a group of dancers who perform in unison and provide the backdrop for the lead dancer or principal dancer.

The corps de ballet typically consists of 8-16 performers who are all trained in classical ballet technique. They may also be trained in other styles such as contemporary, jazz, and modern dance. The corps de ballet is essential to a production as they provide the stage with a stunning backdrop of synchronized movement.

The corps de ballet is usually led by a “Coryphée” or “Coryphées”, which translates to “leader” or “leaders”. Coryphées are experienced dancers that are responsible for setting the tempo and cueing the other dancers with regard to timing and direction. The coryphée may also teach steps and formations to the corps de ballet during rehearsals, as well as act as a liaison between them and the choreographer.

The lead dancer, or principal dancer, is typically the star of the show. This person will be featured in solo roles such as pas de deuxs (duets) and pas seuls (solo dances), highlighting their technical prowess and artistry. They will also have prominent roles within larger group numbers, performing alongside the corps de ballet providing visual contrast between them and their peers.

The costumes that each dancer wears can give clues about which role they play within a production — while leading dancers may wear ornate costumes with sparkles, frills, and elaborate detailing, background dancers usually wear simpler costumes that are designed to blend into the background without distracting from the main performers on stage. Additionally, background dancers may wear pointe shoes while leads usually do not; pointe shoes can add an extra element of difficulty when dancing en masse which can detract from their performance if they are not all equal in skill level.

Conclusion: In summary, background dancers in ballet are most commonly referred to as “corps de ballet” or “corps”.

They provide an important backdrop for lead performers by performing synchronized movements together on stage. The lead performer is typically featured in solo roles that highlight their technical prowess and artistry while background dancers wear simpler costumes designed to blend into the background without distracting from them.