Final answer:
Ballet terms are still defined by French terminology due to its origins in the French court and the role of France as a cultural center during the development of ballet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of French terminology in ballet persists because ballet has its roots in the French court, specifically during the reign of Louis XIV, who was an avid dancer and supporter of the art form. France was the center of cultural development in the arts during the 17th century, and French became the lingua franca for many artistic disciplines, including ballet.
The terminology established then became standardized as ballet schools spread across Europe, and as the tradition continued, these terms were retained to maintain the historical and technical precision of the movements. Furthermore, the French language is known for its clarity and precision in describing the intricate positions and movements in ballet, making it ideal for consistent and accurate communication in the instruction and practice of ballet worldwide.
In addition, celebrated artworks like Degas's The Ballet Class and Dancer Taking a Bow highlight the importance of ballet in French culture and art history during the 19th century, further cementing its association with the French language. Even the evolution of dramatic arts, including ballet and opera, across Europe during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, continued to be influenced by French culture, thus contributing to the durability of French terms in guiding ballet's technical language.