Principal dancer

That process can take multiple performance seasons or even years to achieve based on skill level and company interest.

In the Paris Opera Ballet, principal dancers receive the title of Danseur Étoile.

[citation needed] Detailed article: Paris Opera Ballet.

The title of premier danseur is awarded to the dancer who reaches the second-highest rung in the Paris Opéra ballet hierarchy, after having been a sujet.

As early as 1803-1804, the title was used by Jean-Georges Noverre as a synonym for “premier sujet”, the highest echelon of the ballet company, before being replaced by “étoile” at the end of the 19th century.