“Ballet” in the conceptual system of Chinese dance studies

Abstract

The academic discursive system of Chinese art studies operates with several definitions of the concept of “ballet”, which form the basis for both historical and theoretical research in Chinese dance (ballet) studies. The article analyzes the generic notion of ballet, which, in Chinese scholarly context, breaks down into conceptual varieties, namely: “classical ballet”, “European-type ballet”, “Chinese European-type ballet”, “national ballet”, and several others. A brief characterization of the key derivative definitions of “ballet” is provided, correlating with the danceological approach implemented in Chinese art studies and the broader political strategy of nationalizing European classical ballet.