Soloist
A Soloist is a highly skilled ballet dancer who performs solo roles in ballet productions. They rank above the corps de ballet (group dancers) but below principal dancers in a ballet company's hierarchy. Think of them as the senior managers of the dance world - they have important individual roles but aren't yet at the executive (principal) level. Soloists often perform secondary lead roles or featured parts in major productions. This position represents a crucial step in a professional dancer's career progression from corps de ballet member to potentially becoming a principal dancer.
Examples in Resumes
Performed as Soloist in Swan Lake at City Ballet Company
Promoted to Soloist position after three seasons in corps de ballet
Featured Soloist role in The Nutcracker's Arabian Dance
Advanced from Soloist to Principal dancer within two seasons
Typical job title: "Ballet Soloists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Ballet Soloists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you prepare for a new solo role while maintaining your existing repertoire?
Expected Answer: Should discuss time management, physical conditioning, and mental preparation strategies for balancing multiple roles. Should mention experience in quick role transitions and maintaining consistency.
Q: How do you handle the pressure of performing solo roles while being a role model for corps members?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership abilities, mentoring experience, and stress management techniques. Should discuss balancing personal practice with company responsibilities.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is your approach to learning and perfecting a new solo variation?
Expected Answer: Should explain their practice routine, how they work with repetiteurs and artistic staff, and methods for incorporating artistic interpretation with technical requirements.
Q: How do you maintain consistency in your performances across multiple shows?
Expected Answer: Should discuss physical and mental preparation, recovery techniques, and strategies for maintaining energy and artistic quality throughout a season.
Junior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle transitions between corps work and solo roles?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of different performance requirements and ability to adapt between ensemble and individual roles.
Q: What is your daily preparation routine for classes and rehearsals?
Expected Answer: Should outline their approach to maintaining technical skills, physical conditioning, and time management for various responsibilities.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years as soloist (typically 3-5 years total dance experience))
- Strong classical ballet technique
- Ability to learn and perform solo variations
- Good stage presence
- Basic partnering skills
Mid (2-4 years as soloist (typically 5-8 years total dance experience))
- Refined performance quality
- Strong partnering abilities
- Versatility in classical and contemporary works
- Ability to learn roles quickly
Senior (4+ years as soloist (typically 8+ years total dance experience))
- Excellence in dramatic interpretation
- Advanced partnering capabilities
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Extensive repertoire knowledge
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor attendance or punctuality record
- Inability to work within ensemble sections
- Limited versatility in dance styles
- Poor physical conditioning or injury history
- Difficulty accepting feedback
Related Terms
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