One of the most common challenges facing the world of ballet is that it is considered to be unapproachable and elitist. I would have to agree that I too would find ballet to be unapproachable, with the way it is commonly portrayed. However, this view of ballet is misinformed. When most people think of ballet, they think it looks like the image below.
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| Cynthia Gregory as Odette and Rudolf Nureyev as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. Photo: Martha Swope / ABT © |
While this image of Nureyev and Gregory is typical for the time period in which they danced, ballet has evolved over the years. Many ballets are increasingly athletic, are performed in sneakers, and are hugely group efforts. Indeed, it is possible to go to an evening at the ballet and not see a man in tights! This image below is taken by a colleague of mine, Devin Alberda, and it documents the creation process of a ballet that premiered this past January, "The Times Are Racing."
This image captures the athletic, group effort, youth driven, energetic, and hip quality that is being brought to the world of ballet today. Don't take my word for it, go see any ballet that has been created by Justin Peck; Justin Peck is the current resident choreographer for the New York City Ballet. Ballets made by Justin Peck will open your eyes to the varied ways in which ballet can be defined.
Give some new ballet commissions a viewing. I think you too will agree that hanging around the rosin box can be quite cool and if anything, I bet you will agree it is far from elitist!
