"Ballerina Girl" is a song written and recorded by Lionel Richie, from his 1986 album Dancing on the Ceiling. The song was written for Lionel's daughter, Nicole. In the US and Canada, the song was released as a double A-side, with "Deep River Woman" entering the charts in January 1987. "Ballerina Girl" peaked at number five on the soul charts. The song was also the last of Richie's eleven number ones on the Adult Contemporary charts, spending four weeks on top. "Ballerina Girl" peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1987. The song was covered by Steve Winwood in 1997 and Luther Vandross in 2000.

Music video

In the music video, Richie plays the song on a piano in a ballet school, while young ballet students dance.

Track listings

7" Single

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts