danseur noble

American  

[dahn-sœr naw-bl^uh] / dɑ̃ sœr ˈnɔ blə /

noun

plural

danseurs nobles

1. a male dancer who is the partner of a ballerina, as in a pas de deux.

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Etymology

Origin of danseur noble

1940–45; < French; literally, noble dancer

Example Sentences

“This company has such potential,” said Krcmar, the company’s lead danseur noble.

From New York Times • Aug. 26, 2022

D’Amboise embodied the ideal of an all-American style that combined the nonchalant elegance of Fred Astaire with the classicism of the danseur noble.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2021

Perhaps he could pass a few of his secrets to Berlanga, who is a potential danseur noble with everything going for him except a convincing demi-plié.

From The Guardian • Dec. 23, 2012

Andre Eglevsky, Artistic Director Nassau County Ballet Company Massapequa, N. Y. Mr. Eglevsky, a soaring danseur noble, performed with all the great ballet companies during the '30s, '40s and '50s.

From Time Magazine Archive

At 40, Choreographer-Dancer Robert Helpmann seemed past his prime as a soloist�although as a danseur noble he showed off the sparkling Fonteyn like a diamond ring.

From Time Magazine Archive