特别广播英语第 251 课：The Dance of Kings 芭蕾─舞之女王

Since its first appearance in the 15th century in the courts of European royalty, ballet has become one of the most loved forms of dance. 芭蕾自15世纪在欧洲皇室宫廷首次出现，已成为最受喜爱的一种舞蹈形式。

One of the most beloved ballets is “Swan Lake.” 最为人们喜爱的芭蕾舞剧是“天鹅湖”。

First performed in Russia in 1895, it continues to thrill audiences around the world today. “天鹅湖”于1895年在俄国首演，至今仍不断牵动着全世界观众的心弦。

The word “ballet” itself is French, and comes from the Italian word ballo, meaning “a dance.” 一词是法语，源自意大利语“ballo”，意即“一种舞蹈”。

Ballet dancing, as we know it today, is a result of influences from many countries. 今天我们所知道的芭蕾舞，是许多国家影响下的产物。

Italy, France, Russia, England, and America have all contributed important elements to this style of dance. “ballet”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。

Highly technical, ballet is always performed to music and often tells a story. 高超的芭蕾舞，它总是配合音乐演出，而且常常讲述一个故事。

Though learning this style of dance is a difficult process, the results on stage are magical. 虽然学习这种舞蹈形式是个艰苦的过程，然而舞台上演出的效果却魅力十足。

The graceful moves display the body in the most elegant and beautiful manner possible. 优美的动作竭尽其优雅绝妙的姿态把体态之美展示出来。