Demi-soloist can have one of two meanings in the ballet. The first is for a solo rôle normally danced by a member of the ''
corps de ballet
In ballet, the ''corps de ballet'' (; French for "body of the ballet") is the group of dancers who are not principal dancers or soloists. They are a permanent part of the ballet company and often work as a backdrop for the principal dancers. ...
''. Such rôles are often made in pairs, that is, two corps dancers, dance together, frequently in mirror image.
Such dances are most commonly created for a pair of ballerinas but are occasionally made on (two or more) ''
danseur
A ballet dancer ( it, ballerina fem.; ''ballerino'' masc.) is a person who practices the art of classical ballet. Both females and males can practice ballet; however, dancers have a strict hierarchy and strict gender roles. They rely on ye ...
s''. Yet more rare are ballets with dances for one, two or more demi-soloist couples.
At a gala or other deluxe performance a company's
soloists or
principal dancers might dance ''demi'' rôles.
The second meaning of demi-soloist is that of a rank in a ballet company, the English equivalent being second soloist. Such rank is more common in European companies, but the
National Ballet of Canada and
Houston Ballet
Houston Ballet, operated by Houston Ballet Foundation, is a professional ballet company based in Houston, Texas. The company, consisting of 59 dancers, produces over 85 performances per year.
History
Tatiana Semenova (1955–1967)
Houston d ...
Houston Theater District website
/ref> have demi-soloists.
Footnotes
{{Ballet
Ballet occupations
Ballet terminology