Danseur

A danseur is a male ballet dancer. The word is simply the French term for a male dancer, and it is used all over the ballet world to refer to the men of a company. Within that word sits a special title, danseur noble, which names a male dancer who partners the ballerina in the grand, classical principal roles.

The role of the danseur

Male dancers bring power, elevation, and strength to classical ballet. They perform their own solos, or variations, filled with big jumps, beats, and turns such as tours en l’air. Just as importantly, danseurs are partners. In a pas de deux, the danseur supports, lifts, and presents the ballerina, helping her balance, turn, and appear to float. Great partnering is a quiet art: the danseur must be strong and steady while making the work look invisible so the audience sees only the beauty of the duet.

The danseur noble

The title danseur noble describes a male dancer suited to the noble, princely leading roles, the kind found in ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty. A danseur noble typically has elegant proportions, refined lines, a calm and regal presence, and excellent partnering skills. These qualities make him the ideal cavalier for the ballerina in the classical repertoire. Building toward such roles takes years of training in both personal technique and the careful skill of supporting another dancer.