Corps de Ballet
Corps de Ballet refers to the group of dancers who perform together as an ensemble in a ballet company. Think of them as the main group of professional ballet dancers who support the principal and soloist dancers. They are essential to any professional ballet company, creating the beautiful group scenes you see in famous ballets like Swan Lake or The Nutcracker. While not in starring roles, Corps de Ballet dancers are highly trained professionals who must maintain perfect synchronization and work as a unified team. This is often the entry-level position for professional ballet dancers, similar to how a junior employee would start in other industries.
Examples in Resumes
Performed as Corps de Ballet member in major productions at New York City Ballet
Advanced from Corps de Ballet to Soloist position within three seasons
Maintained Corps de Ballet position while understudying soloist roles
Typical job title: "Corps de Ballet Dancers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Corps de Ballet Dancers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Networking
Example Interview Questions
Senior/Principal Level Questions
Q: How do you help maintain corps discipline and unity when leading younger dancers?
Expected Answer: A senior corps member should discuss their experience in mentoring newer dancers, maintaining formation accuracy, and helping preserve the artistic vision of the ballet master.
Q: How do you balance corps responsibilities with soloist understudy duties?
Expected Answer: Should explain time management between corps performances and additional rehearsals, maintaining consistent performance quality while learning new roles.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you maintain perfect synchronization with other corps members?
Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for staying in line, counting music, peripheral awareness, and adapting to different stage sizes.
Q: What strategies do you use to maintain stamina during long performances?
Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to physical conditioning, nutrition, and energy management during performances.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have dancing in group formations?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic corps work, including following formations and maintaining lines.
Q: How do you prepare for daily company class and rehearsals?
Expected Answer: Should show knowledge of professional expectations, including warm-up routines, proper attire, and time management.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic corps formations and patterns
- Following choreography precisely
- Maintaining lines and spacing
- Professional class etiquette
Mid (2-5 years)
- Perfect synchronization with group
- Quick adaptation to choreography changes
- Understanding multiple roles in productions
- Strong partnering abilities
Senior (5+ years)
- Leadership in corps formations
- Mentoring newer corps members
- Advanced performance skills
- Understanding entire production structure
Red Flags to Watch For
- Inability to work in synchronized groups
- Poor attendance or punctuality record
- Lack of professional company experience
- Insufficient classical ballet training
- Unable to take direction from ballet masters
Related Terms
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