I. ˈbalə̇t noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of ballad (I)
1. dialect : ballad 3
2. also bal·lett “ : ballad 2
II. ˈbaˌlā, baˈlā sometimes bəˈlā or ˈba_lā or ˈbalē or ˈbali noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Italian balletto, diminutive of ballo dance, from ballare to dance, from Late Latin — more at ball
1. : artistic dancing in which conventionalized poses and steps are combined with light and flowing figures and movements (as leaps and turns)
a lesson in ballet usually includes exercises in balancing
2.
a. : a theatrical art form by which ballet dancing together with music, scenery, costume, and sometimes pantomime or speech conveys a story, theme, or atmosphere to the audience
b. : a theatrical performance of the ballet art form
attend the ballet
c. : a musical score for such a performance
d. : the script for a ballet performance
the microfilm copy of a ballet
e. : a performance resembling a ballet (as by a troupe of ice skaters or trapeze artists)
3. : a company of persons who perform ballets
the New York City Ballet
4. : ballet slipper