ballet blanc

American  

[ba-le blahn] / ba lɛ ˈblɑ̃ /

noun

plural

ballets blancs

1. a ballet in which the ballerinas' skirts are white.

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Etymology

Origin of ballet blanc

1945–50; < French: literally, white ballet

Example Sentences

For the choreographer Christopher Williams, growing up in Syracuse, it was at a performance of “Les Sylphides,” recognized as the first ballet blanc, or plotless ballet.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2022

The pratfalls and generic physical jokes — one ballerina knocking down another, sometimes by accident — are fail-safe, yet the satire of Fokine’s ballet blanc is also exactly on target.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2014

The magic she passes down is concentrated in toe shoes, which she teaches Irene how to use in a scene backed by a corps of women in white, a traditional ballet blanc.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2012