Black Swan (2010), directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychological thriller that explores the mental and physical toll of perfection in the world of professional ballet. Starring Natalie Portman in an Oscar-winning performance, the movie follows Nina, a ballerina striving for excellence while confronting her dark alter ego. This guide provides essential vocabulary to help you understand the movie and learn English effectively. Watch the IMDB trailer for a sneak peek into this gripping film.

More Vocabulary Lists

---

Vocabulary Guide: Thematic Categories

Dance and Performance

• Ballet /ˈbæ.leɪ/
  Definition: A highly formalized and graceful style of dance.
  Example: Nina trained for years to perfect her ballet technique.
• Choreography /ˌkɔːr.iˈɑː.ɡrə.fi/
  Definition: The sequence of steps and movements in dance.
  Example: The choreography of the Black Swan routine was extremely complex.
• Pirouette /ˌpɪr.uˈet/
  Definition: A full turn on one foot in ballet.
  Example: She practiced her pirouettes until they were flawless.
• En Pointe /ɑ̃ ˈpwɛ̃t/
  Definition: A ballet position where the dancer balances on the tips of their toes.
  Example: Dancing en pointe requires incredible strength and balance.
• Rehearsal /rɪˈhɜːr.səl/
  Definition: Practice sessions to prepare for a performance.
  Example: Nina was exhausted after hours of rehearsal.

---

Psychology and Mental Health

• Perfectionism /pərˈfek.ʃəˌnɪz.əm/
  Definition: A desire to achieve flawlessness, often leading to stress.
  Example: Her perfectionism pushed her to the brink of a breakdown.
• Delusion /dɪˈluː.ʒən/
  Definition: A belief that is not based on reality.
  Example: Nina suffered from delusions as she lost grip on reality.
• Obsession /əbˈseʃ.ən/
  Definition: An intense focus on something that disrupts normal life.
  Example: Her obsession with the role of the Black Swan consumed her.
• Hallucination /həˌluː.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: Seeing or hearing things that are not real.
  Example: Nina’s hallucinations blurred the line between reality and imagination.
• Self-Destructive /ˌsɛlf.dɪˈstrʌk.tɪv/
  Definition: Behaviors that cause harm to oneself.
  Example: Her self-destructive tendencies affected her relationships and career.

---

Cinema and Storytelling

• Protagonist /proʊˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/
  Definition: The main character in a story.
  Example: Nina is the protagonist of Black Swan.
• Antagonist /ænˈtæɡ.ə.nɪst/
  Definition: A character or force opposing the protagonist.
  Example: Nina’s own mind acts as the antagonist in the story.
• Foreshadowing /ˈfoʊrˌʃæd.oʊ.ɪŋ/
  Definition: Clues about what will happen later in the story.
  Example: The cracking mirrors foreshadow Nina’s mental breakdown.
• Climax /ˈklaɪ.mæks/
  Definition: The most intense or important point of a story.
  Example: The climax occurs during the breathtaking final performance.
• Symbolism /ˈsɪm.bəˌlɪz.əm/
  Definition: Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
  Example: The black swan represents Nina’s darker, uninhibited side.

---

Practice and Learn

1. Watch Black Swan with subtitles to hear these words in context.
2. Write sentences using the new vocabulary to reinforce your learning.
3. Discuss the themes of the movie with a friend or in a study group.

Ready to test your skills? Share your favorite scene from Black Swan in the comments and tell us how these words helped you understand it better!