A male ballet dancer shown holding the fifth position with his working leg partly extending behind him. Beauty and pose are foundations of ballet.

A female ballerina in an arabesque pose, standing on her supporting leg while her working leg is turned out and extended behind her, both held straight.

A ballet dancer (Italian: ballerina [balleˈriːna] fem., ballerino [balleˈriːno] masc.) is a person who practices the art of classical ballet. Both females and males can practice ballet; however, dancers have hierarchy and strict gender roles. They rely on years of extensive training and proper technique to become a part of professional companies. Ballet dancers are at a high risk of injury due to the demanding technique of ballet.

Ballet dancers typically begin training between the ages of 2-4 (for females) or 5-7 (for male dancers) if they desire to perform professionally. Training does not end when ballet dancers are hired by a professional company. They must attend ballet class six days a week to keep themselves fit and aware.

Ballet dancers begin their classes at the barre, a wooden beam that runs along the walls of the ballet studio. Dancers use the barre to support themselves during exercises. Barre work is designed to warm up the body and stretch muscles to prepare for center work, where they execute exercises without the barre. Center work in the middle of the room starts out with smaller exercises and soon gets bigger and more fast. Ballet dancers finish center work practicing big leaps across the floor which is called grande allegro.

After center work, females present exercises on pointe, or on their toes. Males practice jumps and turns. They may practice partner work together.

Source: Ballet dancer

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