The second paragraph can be said of anyone in the arts. We all – women and men – have to compete for attention, and that competition is fierce. Most writers, artists, musicians, and singers must have “day jobs”. Dancers, like athletes, rely on their strength, grace, and skill in order to perform. For dancers, there is a specific esthetic involved. I’m sure it’s brutal; it’s the same for wrestlers who endure very strict weight requirements (I knew more than a few male wrestlers in high school; bulimia was commonplace, and encouraged by coaches).
The point is, those of us who choose to make our life in art do so with our eyes open. Some of us, like the author, make a great success of it.
Good observations.
Although a lifelong interest, i only started painting seriously after taking early retirement. I liken gaining traction in the art world to trying to climb a brick wall, using just fingernails for leverage.
Success is, of course, always relative. Just getting shown to begin with is a real achievement. Financially secure, i’m not dependent on patronage from individuals or galleries so i’m free to explore where my work takes me. Can’t imagine what it must be like for the thousands of art school graduates churned out every year, all presumably hoping for a career in their chosen field.
Good observations.
Although a lifelong interest, i only started painting seriously after taking early retirement. I liken gaining traction in the art world to trying to climb a brick wall, using just fingernails for leverage.
Success is, of course, always relative. Just getting shown to begin with is a real achievement. Financially secure, i’m not dependent on patronage from individuals or galleries so i’m free to explore where my work takes me. Can’t imagine what it must be like for the thousands of art school graduates churned out every year, all presumably hoping for a career in their chosen field.
Allison Barrows
1 year ago
The second paragraph can be said of anyone in the arts. We all – women and men – have to compete for attention, and that competition is fierce. Most writers, artists, musicians, and singers must have “day jobs”. Dancers, like athletes, rely on their strength, grace, and skill in order to perform. For dancers, there is a specific esthetic involved. I’m sure it’s brutal; it’s the same for wrestlers who endure very strict weight requirements (I knew more than a few male wrestlers in high school; bulimia was commonplace, and encouraged by coaches).
The point is, those of us who choose to make our life in art do so with our eyes open. Some of us, like the author, make a great success of it.
Last edited 1 year ago by Allison Barrows
Max Price
1 year ago
“ A ballet career, however, is a gruelling one, and all dancers, particularly female ones, face the constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream.”
How and why particularly female dancers? I see this sentiment asserted often but I’m sceptical. Is it worse or do females not cope as well? Is it just political expediency to assert this? Is it just in the air and repeated?
Male ballet dancers rarely have to dance en pointe for any extended period, and, although they need to be physically fit, they are not continuously pressured into losing weight.
“Male dancers tend to have greater number of dancing days lost due to injury and might be at greater risk of injury from techniques such as lifts with female dancers.”
Steere, Dr. Karin; Duncan, Amanda; Johnstone, Kaitlyn; and Lux, Emma, “Low Back Injuries in Male Ballet Dancers: A Review of the Literature” (2017). Physical Therapy Research Symposium. 36. https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ptsymposium/36
“Male dancers tend to have greater number of dancing days lost due to injury and might be at greater risk of injury from techniques such as lifts with female dancers.”
Steere, Dr. Karin; Duncan, Amanda; Johnstone, Kaitlyn; and Lux, Emma, “Low Back Injuries in Male Ballet Dancers: A Review of the Literature” (2017). Physical Therapy Research Symposium. 36. https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ptsymposium/36
A strange article. She blames men for all the problems faced by ballet dancers but I’m not sure exactly who is guilty (other than Ballantine, apparently), and what they have done wrong.
She also claims “a woman can never, ever act the victim”. This is so patently untrue, an inversion of reality, that it’s bordering on ludicrous. Acting the victim and claiming victimisation are the epitome of women today and have been for several decades. This fact seems to have gone unnoticed by the writer.
I agree, but I think the author was referring to the pressures on women, (or people, I might add) who perform within this art form. Having been to a conservatory, (not for dance) I can say that the pressure to shut up, work your ass off and take it is extremely high. Everything was performance based, everything you did was critiqued. Exhibiting stoicism through it all meant that you were a professional, not a whiner, fit to carry the banner of this sacred, classical art form. I don’t personally think that’s such a bad thing, but it can get out of control and cause damage, especially to young people.
I agree, but I think the author was referring to the pressures on women, (or people, I might add) who perform within this art form. Having been to a conservatory, (not for dance) I can say that the pressure to shut up, work your ass off and take it is extremely high. Everything was performance based, everything you did was critiqued. Exhibiting stoicism through it all meant that you were a professional, not a whiner, fit to carry the banner of this sacred, classical art form. I don’t personally think that’s such a bad thing, but it can get out of control and cause damage, especially to young people.
All good points shared here. Also there are just far more females engaged in ballet training than males at every level. As a ballet student I saw boys with very poor natural facility for ballet and even worse technique awarded scholarships based solely on the fact that they were boys and schools need more boys. Then as an adult I saw men, again of questionable ability, accepted into companies and awarded roles simply because men were needed. There is no doubt that ballet is difficult and damaging for men’s bodies too and hiring is very competitive for men as well, but the standards are just lower for men because the talent pool is smaller.
Male ballet dancers rarely have to dance en pointe for any extended period, and, although they need to be physically fit, they are not continuously pressured into losing weight.
A strange article. She blames men for all the problems faced by ballet dancers but I’m not sure exactly who is guilty (other than Ballantine, apparently), and what they have done wrong.
She also claims “a woman can never, ever act the victim”. This is so patently untrue, an inversion of reality, that it’s bordering on ludicrous. Acting the victim and claiming victimisation are the epitome of women today and have been for several decades. This fact seems to have gone unnoticed by the writer.
All good points shared here. Also there are just far more females engaged in ballet training than males at every level. As a ballet student I saw boys with very poor natural facility for ballet and even worse technique awarded scholarships based solely on the fact that they were boys and schools need more boys. Then as an adult I saw men, again of questionable ability, accepted into companies and awarded roles simply because men were needed. There is no doubt that ballet is difficult and damaging for men’s bodies too and hiring is very competitive for men as well, but the standards are just lower for men because the talent pool is smaller.
Max Price
1 year ago
“ A ballet career, however, is a gruelling one, and all dancers, particularly female ones, face the constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream.”
How and why particularly female dancers? I see this sentiment asserted often but I’m sceptical. Is it worse or do females not cope as well? Is it just political expediency to assert this? Is it just in the air and repeated?
Ethniciodo Rodenydo
1 year ago
The article sounds just like my career as a window cleaner, uncanny.
Now I go cleanin’ windows to earn an honest bob
For a nosy parker it’s an interestin’ job
Now it’s a job that just suits me
A window cleaner you would be
If you can see what I can see
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Honeymoonin’ couples too
You should see them bill ‘n coo
You’d be surprised at things they do
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Oh the ukulele playing. The constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream and no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, you can never, ever “act the victim”
Oh the ukulele playing. The constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream and no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, you can never, ever “act the victim”
Now I go cleanin’ windows to earn an honest bob
For a nosy parker it’s an interestin’ job
Now it’s a job that just suits me
A window cleaner you would be
If you can see what I can see
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Honeymoonin’ couples too
You should see them bill ‘n coo
You’d be surprised at things they do
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Did you also train as a medical student in a bawdy 1970’s hospital?
Ethniciodo Rodenydo
1 year ago
The article sounds just like my career as a window cleaner, uncanny.
Last edited 1 year ago by Ethniciodo Rodenydo
Peter B
1 year ago
Why not do modern dance instead and avoid the needless foot pain ? I’ve seen good modern dance and ballet and prefer to watch modern dance.
Bragging about the supposedly “wonderful fact that the force of balancing en pointe is the equivalent to letting the full weight of a grand piano fall on a single toe” seems both wilfully stupid and unnecessary.
Ballet shoes seem rather reminiscent of Chinese foot binding. Only self-inflicted.
Perhaps in future people will wonder why this form of painful art is encouraged – just as we are astonished at the enthusiasm for castrati in former times.
When my daughter was training, pointe meant mastery and a move into an aesthetic she loved. The Balanchine influence also pushes long limbs, short backs whereas in the past the women could also have longer backs and shorter limbs which puts less strain on the back.
It’s a serious, good question because it relates to a lot of decision making by young girls and their decision making.
Based on a lot of personal experience and writings by females – women would rather follow the herd, and do what they are told is best (invariably by other women), and rather whinge and complain about it (usually blaming men) rather than take charge of their lives. Despite all the guff about strong women etc.
You need to start working on your little daughter from a young age, keep prompting her to think what she is doing, ask her what she really wants, and follow her own mind.
Incidentally, you need the dad to do that. Always. No matter how much feminism the mum spouts, if left to them their daughters will follow the beaten path and do whatever mum and society says.
Hence a lot of foot pain inducing dances but hardly any women playing video games or going to watch football, for instance.
75% of the gamers I know are female – and I know a lot of gamers, so don’t generalise please. Plenty of women enjoy football as well, “hardly any” is massive hyperbole on your part.
75% of the gamers I know are female – and I know a lot of gamers, so don’t generalise please. Plenty of women enjoy football as well, “hardly any” is massive hyperbole on your part.
Perhaps in future people will wonder why this form of painful art is encouraged – just as we are astonished at the enthusiasm for castrati in former times.
When my daughter was training, pointe meant mastery and a move into an aesthetic she loved. The Balanchine influence also pushes long limbs, short backs whereas in the past the women could also have longer backs and shorter limbs which puts less strain on the back.
It’s a serious, good question because it relates to a lot of decision making by young girls and their decision making.
Based on a lot of personal experience and writings by females – women would rather follow the herd, and do what they are told is best (invariably by other women), and rather whinge and complain about it (usually blaming men) rather than take charge of their lives. Despite all the guff about strong women etc.
You need to start working on your little daughter from a young age, keep prompting her to think what she is doing, ask her what she really wants, and follow her own mind.
Incidentally, you need the dad to do that. Always. No matter how much feminism the mum spouts, if left to them their daughters will follow the beaten path and do whatever mum and society says.
Hence a lot of foot pain inducing dances but hardly any women playing video games or going to watch football, for instance.
this reminds me of the old joke that all of this could be avoided if ballet comapneis would only hire taller dancers.
Peter B
1 year ago
Why not do modern dance instead and avoid the needless foot pain ? I’ve seen good modern dance and ballet and prefer to watch modern dance.
Bragging about the supposedly “wonderful fact that the force of balancing en pointe is the equivalent to letting the full weight of a grand piano fall on a single toe” seems both wilfully stupid and unnecessary.
Ballet shoes seem rather reminiscent of Chinese foot binding. Only self-inflicted.
Chris Hume
1 year ago
The idea that no matter how awful, no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, a woman can never, ever “act the victim”.
The idea that no matter how awful, no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, a woman can never, ever “act the victim”.
Is this what they call gaslighting?
James Sullivan
1 year ago
This was a great essay. One of my daughters is a dancer, and like the essay’s author has so far had far more training in modern dance than in classical ballet (though ballet remains her first love and chief goal), and mostly only female teachers and coaches along the way. The few male instructors have (in her words) been far less constructive, and far tougher (with one notable exception, a self-certified “male feminist”, who has been, well…. weirder). Her toughest female teacher and coach was a diminutive Cuban expat with a sharp temper and keen wit who was brutal to dancers who didn’t take the work seriously, but this same teacher, who came out of the Balanchine school, also rewarded work and built up the girls she coached, and tried to teach them mental toughness. My daughter credits this teacher with much of her own success.
The dance world is very tough, and the ballet world is very prone to a snootiness that exceeds the normal bounds of esprit de corps. But my daughter (so far) wouldn’t trade it – the dance itself is the reward.
James Sullivan
1 year ago
This was a great essay. One of my daughters is a dancer, and like the essay’s author has so far had far more training in modern dance than in classical ballet (though ballet remains her first love and chief goal), and mostly only female teachers and coaches along the way. The few male instructors have (in her words) been far less constructive, and far tougher (with one notable exception, a self-certified “male feminist”, who has been, well…. weirder). Her toughest female teacher and coach was a diminutive Cuban expat with a sharp temper and keen wit who was brutal to dancers who didn’t take the work seriously, but this same teacher, who came out of the Balanchine school, also rewarded work and built up the girls she coached, and tried to teach them mental toughness. My daughter credits this teacher with much of her own success.
The dance world is very tough, and the ballet world is very prone to a snootiness that exceeds the normal bounds of esprit de corps. But my daughter (so far) wouldn’t trade it – the dance itself is the reward.
CHARLES STANHOPE
1 year ago
“Swan Lake” with men? Surely not?
CHARLES STANHOPE
1 year ago
“Swan Lake” with men? Surely not?
Penny Mcwilliams
1 year ago
I would be interested to know if ‘modern’ dancers also feel the same pressure to be thin, best, dedicated, perfect etc? I suspect that some of the issues are not limited to classical ballet, and that many young women impose these competitive pressures on themselves, as they undoubtedly do in many other spheres of life. Don’t think we can blame it all on Balanchine
Penny Mcwilliams
1 year ago
I would be interested to know if ‘modern’ dancers also feel the same pressure to be thin, best, dedicated, perfect etc? I suspect that some of the issues are not limited to classical ballet, and that many young women impose these competitive pressures on themselves, as they undoubtedly do in many other spheres of life. Don’t think we can blame it all on Balanchine
Christopher Barclay
1 year ago
Rosie Kay often substitutes the word ‘dance’ for the word ‘ballet’. Kay should have been honest and made it clear that the extreme physical, diet and sexual demands are for a form of dance that is subsidised and patronised because it is the supposed highest form of European culture. Kay also does not make it clear that she is not talking about excelling at dance but about having a professional career in dance.
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
I would rather remove my spleen with a blunt knife than have to endure so much as a nano second of watching ballet, let alone actually paying so to do.
I would rather remove my spleen with a blunt knife than have to endure so much as a nano second of watching ballet, let alone actually paying so to do.
Main Edition
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The second paragraph can be said of anyone in the arts. We all – women and men – have to compete for attention, and that competition is fierce. Most writers, artists, musicians, and singers must have “day jobs”. Dancers, like athletes, rely on their strength, grace, and skill in order to perform. For dancers, there is a specific esthetic involved. I’m sure it’s brutal; it’s the same for wrestlers who endure very strict weight requirements (I knew more than a few male wrestlers in high school; bulimia was commonplace, and encouraged by coaches).
The point is, those of us who choose to make our life in art do so with our eyes open. Some of us, like the author, make a great success of it.
Good observations.
Although a lifelong interest, i only started painting seriously after taking early retirement. I liken gaining traction in the art world to trying to climb a brick wall, using just fingernails for leverage.
Success is, of course, always relative. Just getting shown to begin with is a real achievement. Financially secure, i’m not dependent on patronage from individuals or galleries so i’m free to explore where my work takes me. Can’t imagine what it must be like for the thousands of art school graduates churned out every year, all presumably hoping for a career in their chosen field.
Good observations.
Although a lifelong interest, i only started painting seriously after taking early retirement. I liken gaining traction in the art world to trying to climb a brick wall, using just fingernails for leverage.
Success is, of course, always relative. Just getting shown to begin with is a real achievement. Financially secure, i’m not dependent on patronage from individuals or galleries so i’m free to explore where my work takes me. Can’t imagine what it must be like for the thousands of art school graduates churned out every year, all presumably hoping for a career in their chosen field.
The second paragraph can be said of anyone in the arts. We all – women and men – have to compete for attention, and that competition is fierce. Most writers, artists, musicians, and singers must have “day jobs”. Dancers, like athletes, rely on their strength, grace, and skill in order to perform. For dancers, there is a specific esthetic involved. I’m sure it’s brutal; it’s the same for wrestlers who endure very strict weight requirements (I knew more than a few male wrestlers in high school; bulimia was commonplace, and encouraged by coaches).
The point is, those of us who choose to make our life in art do so with our eyes open. Some of us, like the author, make a great success of it.
“ A ballet career, however, is a gruelling one, and all dancers, particularly female ones, face the constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream.”
How and why particularly female dancers? I see this sentiment asserted often but I’m sceptical. Is it worse or do females not cope as well? Is it just political expediency to assert this? Is it just in the air and repeated?
Male ballet dancers rarely have to dance en pointe for any extended period, and, although they need to be physically fit, they are not continuously pressured into losing weight.
“Male dancers tend to have greater number of dancing days lost due to injury and might be at greater risk of injury from techniques such as lifts with female dancers.”
Steere, Dr. Karin; Duncan, Amanda; Johnstone, Kaitlyn; and Lux, Emma, “Low Back Injuries in Male Ballet Dancers: A Review of the Literature” (2017). Physical Therapy Research Symposium. 36.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ptsymposium/36
Maybe they are not stoical enough 🙂
Maybe they are not stoical enough 🙂
“Male dancers tend to have greater number of dancing days lost due to injury and might be at greater risk of injury from techniques such as lifts with female dancers.”
Steere, Dr. Karin; Duncan, Amanda; Johnstone, Kaitlyn; and Lux, Emma, “Low Back Injuries in Male Ballet Dancers: A Review of the Literature” (2017). Physical Therapy Research Symposium. 36.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ptsymposium/36
“How and why particularly female dancers?”
The “dancer” part at the end is a bit redundant.
A strange article. She blames men for all the problems faced by ballet dancers but I’m not sure exactly who is guilty (other than Ballantine, apparently), and what they have done wrong.
She also claims “a woman can never, ever act the victim”. This is so patently untrue, an inversion of reality, that it’s bordering on ludicrous. Acting the victim and claiming victimisation are the epitome of women today and have been for several decades. This fact seems to have gone unnoticed by the writer.
I agree, but I think the author was referring to the pressures on women, (or people, I might add) who perform within this art form. Having been to a conservatory, (not for dance) I can say that the pressure to shut up, work your ass off and take it is extremely high. Everything was performance based, everything you did was critiqued. Exhibiting stoicism through it all meant that you were a professional, not a whiner, fit to carry the banner of this sacred, classical art form. I don’t personally think that’s such a bad thing, but it can get out of control and cause damage, especially to young people.
I agree, but I think the author was referring to the pressures on women, (or people, I might add) who perform within this art form. Having been to a conservatory, (not for dance) I can say that the pressure to shut up, work your ass off and take it is extremely high. Everything was performance based, everything you did was critiqued. Exhibiting stoicism through it all meant that you were a professional, not a whiner, fit to carry the banner of this sacred, classical art form. I don’t personally think that’s such a bad thing, but it can get out of control and cause damage, especially to young people.
All good points shared here. Also there are just far more females engaged in ballet training than males at every level. As a ballet student I saw boys with very poor natural facility for ballet and even worse technique awarded scholarships based solely on the fact that they were boys and schools need more boys. Then as an adult I saw men, again of questionable ability, accepted into companies and awarded roles simply because men were needed. There is no doubt that ballet is difficult and damaging for men’s bodies too and hiring is very competitive for men as well, but the standards are just lower for men because the talent pool is smaller.
Male ballet dancers rarely have to dance en pointe for any extended period, and, although they need to be physically fit, they are not continuously pressured into losing weight.
“How and why particularly female dancers?”
The “dancer” part at the end is a bit redundant.
A strange article. She blames men for all the problems faced by ballet dancers but I’m not sure exactly who is guilty (other than Ballantine, apparently), and what they have done wrong.
She also claims “a woman can never, ever act the victim”. This is so patently untrue, an inversion of reality, that it’s bordering on ludicrous. Acting the victim and claiming victimisation are the epitome of women today and have been for several decades. This fact seems to have gone unnoticed by the writer.
All good points shared here. Also there are just far more females engaged in ballet training than males at every level. As a ballet student I saw boys with very poor natural facility for ballet and even worse technique awarded scholarships based solely on the fact that they were boys and schools need more boys. Then as an adult I saw men, again of questionable ability, accepted into companies and awarded roles simply because men were needed. There is no doubt that ballet is difficult and damaging for men’s bodies too and hiring is very competitive for men as well, but the standards are just lower for men because the talent pool is smaller.
“ A ballet career, however, is a gruelling one, and all dancers, particularly female ones, face the constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream.”
How and why particularly female dancers? I see this sentiment asserted often but I’m sceptical. Is it worse or do females not cope as well? Is it just political expediency to assert this? Is it just in the air and repeated?
The article sounds just like my career as a window cleaner, uncanny.
Now I go cleanin’ windows to earn an honest bob
For a nosy parker it’s an interestin’ job
Now it’s a job that just suits me
A window cleaner you would be
If you can see what I can see
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Honeymoonin’ couples too
You should see them bill ‘n coo
You’d be surprised at things they do
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Oh the ukulele playing. The constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream and no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, you can never, ever “act the victim”
Oh the ukulele playing. The constant impossibility of fulfilling that dream and no matter how terrible or traumatic or painful an experience, you can never, ever “act the victim”
Did you also train as a medical student in a bawdy 1970’s hospital?
Now I go cleanin’ windows to earn an honest bob
For a nosy parker it’s an interestin’ job
Now it’s a job that just suits me
A window cleaner you would be
If you can see what I can see
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Honeymoonin’ couples too
You should see them bill ‘n coo
You’d be surprised at things they do
When I’m cleanin’ windows
Did you also train as a medical student in a bawdy 1970’s hospital?
The article sounds just like my career as a window cleaner, uncanny.
Why not do modern dance instead and avoid the needless foot pain ? I’ve seen good modern dance and ballet and prefer to watch modern dance.
Bragging about the supposedly “wonderful fact that the force of balancing en pointe is the equivalent to letting the full weight of a grand piano fall on a single toe” seems both wilfully stupid and unnecessary.
Ballet shoes seem rather reminiscent of Chinese foot binding. Only self-inflicted.
Perhaps in future people will wonder why this form of painful art is encouraged – just as we are astonished at the enthusiasm for castrati in former times.
When my daughter was training, pointe meant mastery and a move into an aesthetic she loved. The Balanchine influence also pushes long limbs, short backs whereas in the past the women could also have longer backs and shorter limbs which puts less strain on the back.
It’s a serious, good question because it relates to a lot of decision making by young girls and their decision making.
Based on a lot of personal experience and writings by females – women would rather follow the herd, and do what they are told is best (invariably by other women), and rather whinge and complain about it (usually blaming men) rather than take charge of their lives. Despite all the guff about strong women etc.
You need to start working on your little daughter from a young age, keep prompting her to think what she is doing, ask her what she really wants, and follow her own mind.
Incidentally, you need the dad to do that. Always. No matter how much feminism the mum spouts, if left to them their daughters will follow the beaten path and do whatever mum and society says.
Hence a lot of foot pain inducing dances but hardly any women playing video games or going to watch football, for instance.
75% of the gamers I know are female – and I know a lot of gamers, so don’t generalise please. Plenty of women enjoy football as well, “hardly any” is massive hyperbole on your part.
75% of the gamers I know are female – and I know a lot of gamers, so don’t generalise please. Plenty of women enjoy football as well, “hardly any” is massive hyperbole on your part.
this reminds me of the old joke that all of this could be avoided if ballet comapneis would only hire taller dancers.
Perhaps in future people will wonder why this form of painful art is encouraged – just as we are astonished at the enthusiasm for castrati in former times.
When my daughter was training, pointe meant mastery and a move into an aesthetic she loved. The Balanchine influence also pushes long limbs, short backs whereas in the past the women could also have longer backs and shorter limbs which puts less strain on the back.
It’s a serious, good question because it relates to a lot of decision making by young girls and their decision making.
Based on a lot of personal experience and writings by females – women would rather follow the herd, and do what they are told is best (invariably by other women), and rather whinge and complain about it (usually blaming men) rather than take charge of their lives. Despite all the guff about strong women etc.
You need to start working on your little daughter from a young age, keep prompting her to think what she is doing, ask her what she really wants, and follow her own mind.
Incidentally, you need the dad to do that. Always. No matter how much feminism the mum spouts, if left to them their daughters will follow the beaten path and do whatever mum and society says.
Hence a lot of foot pain inducing dances but hardly any women playing video games or going to watch football, for instance.
this reminds me of the old joke that all of this could be avoided if ballet comapneis would only hire taller dancers.
Why not do modern dance instead and avoid the needless foot pain ? I’ve seen good modern dance and ballet and prefer to watch modern dance.
Bragging about the supposedly “wonderful fact that the force of balancing en pointe is the equivalent to letting the full weight of a grand piano fall on a single toe” seems both wilfully stupid and unnecessary.
Ballet shoes seem rather reminiscent of Chinese foot binding. Only self-inflicted.
Is this what they call gaslighting?
This reminds me of the old joke that all of this might be prevented if ballet companies just hired taller dancers.
geometry dash
This reminds me of the old joke that all of this might be prevented if ballet companies just hired taller dancers.
geometry dash
Is this what they call gaslighting?
This was a great essay. One of my daughters is a dancer, and like the essay’s author has so far had far more training in modern dance than in classical ballet (though ballet remains her first love and chief goal), and mostly only female teachers and coaches along the way. The few male instructors have (in her words) been far less constructive, and far tougher (with one notable exception, a self-certified “male feminist”, who has been, well…. weirder). Her toughest female teacher and coach was a diminutive Cuban expat with a sharp temper and keen wit who was brutal to dancers who didn’t take the work seriously, but this same teacher, who came out of the Balanchine school, also rewarded work and built up the girls she coached, and tried to teach them mental toughness. My daughter credits this teacher with much of her own success.
The dance world is very tough, and the ballet world is very prone to a snootiness that exceeds the normal bounds of esprit de corps. But my daughter (so far) wouldn’t trade it – the dance itself is the reward.
This was a great essay. One of my daughters is a dancer, and like the essay’s author has so far had far more training in modern dance than in classical ballet (though ballet remains her first love and chief goal), and mostly only female teachers and coaches along the way. The few male instructors have (in her words) been far less constructive, and far tougher (with one notable exception, a self-certified “male feminist”, who has been, well…. weirder). Her toughest female teacher and coach was a diminutive Cuban expat with a sharp temper and keen wit who was brutal to dancers who didn’t take the work seriously, but this same teacher, who came out of the Balanchine school, also rewarded work and built up the girls she coached, and tried to teach them mental toughness. My daughter credits this teacher with much of her own success.
The dance world is very tough, and the ballet world is very prone to a snootiness that exceeds the normal bounds of esprit de corps. But my daughter (so far) wouldn’t trade it – the dance itself is the reward.
“Swan Lake” with men? Surely not?
“Swan Lake” with men? Surely not?
I would be interested to know if ‘modern’ dancers also feel the same pressure to be thin, best, dedicated, perfect etc? I suspect that some of the issues are not limited to classical ballet, and that many young women impose these competitive pressures on themselves, as they undoubtedly do in many other spheres of life. Don’t think we can blame it all on Balanchine
I would be interested to know if ‘modern’ dancers also feel the same pressure to be thin, best, dedicated, perfect etc? I suspect that some of the issues are not limited to classical ballet, and that many young women impose these competitive pressures on themselves, as they undoubtedly do in many other spheres of life. Don’t think we can blame it all on Balanchine
Rosie Kay often substitutes the word ‘dance’ for the word ‘ballet’. Kay should have been honest and made it clear that the extreme physical, diet and sexual demands are for a form of dance that is subsidised and patronised because it is the supposed highest form of European culture. Kay also does not make it clear that she is not talking about excelling at dance but about having a professional career in dance.
I would rather remove my spleen with a blunt knife than have to endure so much as a nano second of watching ballet, let alone actually paying so to do.
Can we watch?
Can we watch?
I would rather remove my spleen with a blunt knife than have to endure so much as a nano second of watching ballet, let alone actually paying so to do.