<P> A principal dancer (often shortened to principal) is a dancer at the highest rank within a professional dance company, particularly a ballet company . </P> <P> A principal may be male or female . The position is similar to that of soloist; however, principals are hired by (or promoted from within) a company to regularly perform not only solos, but also pas de deux . It is a coveted position in the company and the most prominent position a dancer can receive . The term is used mostly in ballet but can be used in other forms as well, such as modern dance . They are usually the star of the ballet . The term senior principal dancer is sometimes used as well . </P> <P> The terms prima ballerina or premier danseur have been used to denote similar levels of prominence in non Anglo - Saxon companies . In the Paris Opera Ballet, principal dancers receive the title of Danseur Étoile . </P>

What's the difference between a prima ballerina and a principal dancer