Prima ballerina assoluta is a rank or title given to the most notable of female ballet dancers. To be recognised as a prima ballerina assoluta is a very rare honour, reserved only for the most exceptional prima ballerinas, usually those who have achieved international acclaim. The title of primer danseur noble is the same rank given to the males in ballet who've achieved such success.
The term prima ballerina assoluta was originally inspired by the Italian ballet masters of the early Romantic Ballet and was bestowed on a ballerina who was considered to be exceptionally talented and above the standard of other leading ballerinas. The title is very rarely used today and recent uses have typically been symbolic, in recognition of a notable career and as a result, it is commonly viewed as an honour rather than an active rank.
Read more about Prima Ballerina Assoluta: History, Chronological List
Famous quotes containing the word prima:
“I’ve given parties that have made Indian rajahs green with envy. I’ve had prima donnas break $10,000 engagements to come to my smallest dinners. When you were still playing button back in Ohio, I entertained on a cruising trip that was so much fun that I had to sink my yacht to make my guests go home.”
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)