What are the origins of the word ballet? Is it French or Italian? The definition of ballet comes from the Italian.  (Most answer French at first and that's because ballet terminology is in French, most of us quickly assume the word ballet also comes from the French language!) Actually the word ballet comes from balletto, meaning small dance in Italian. Dr. Giannandrea Poesio, historian and dance critic, who writes for the Royal Opera House, explains: Definition of Ballet Ballet: … [Read more...]