The word “ballet” itself is French, and comes from the Italian word ballo, meaning “a dance.” Ballet dancing, as we know it today, is a result of influences from many countries. Italy, France, Russia, England, and America have all contributed important elements to this style of dance.

“ballet”一词是法语，源自意大利语“ballo”，意即“一种舞蹈”。今天我们所知道的芭蕾舞，是许多国家影响下的产物。意大利、法国、俄国，英国和美国，在许多方面都对这一舞蹈形式做出重要的贡献。

(短文节选,本篇始于：芭蕾─舞之女王))