Sexism Is Rife in Male Ballet

Sexism is rife in the World of Ballet

Nicky Clark, Mark Hill, Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren - the list is endless but what do all these men have in common? Yes – they are all highly skilled, professionally acclaimed individuals having reached the top of their ladder in the world of hairdressing, cooking and fashion design. But, most significantly, they have made it in jobs which have always been traditionally associated with women. No-one thinks to question their masculinity. So, why should a similar male who chooses to wear leotard and tights, someone who excels in his chosen profession, irrespective of gender, be regarded with suspicion and open hostility by society?

The film “ Billy Elliott” depicts Elliot’s struggles against negative attitudes. Ballet is not for working class lads and the film demonstrates how his father struggles with his affinity for dancing. He finally triumphs against all odds which shows there are lessons to be learned and that society should listen as the social message overturns prejudice against male dancers which is inspirational.

But sadly, society is still wary of male ballet dancers labelling them as “pretty boys”, “wimps” and “gay”. People wrongly believe that ballet is a feminine pursuit due to the costumes ballerinas wear. This is wrong outfits are merely tools of the trade such as a hairdryer or cooking utensils.

We are also taught at a young age that girls go to ballet and boys play football. Ballet should be promoted for everybody regardless of gender. Such stereotyping must cease and we must make sure boys are given the opportunity to prove they have just as much stamina, through the physical exertions of dance,  as athletes or wrestlers’ muscle strength.

Sexism is often promoted at home, often parents think that ballet will “ turn their sons gay”, a ridiculous comment made by a boys mother who refused to let him attend ballet classes. This creates a barrier because it stops boys from reaching their full potential as dancers. Even more disturbing is the connection so wrongly made between male ballet dancers and homosexuality.

Indeed boys often feel they cannot join a ballet group because they will be labelled as less masculine. Bullying is a huge problem in the world of male ballet with offensive names such as “poofs” or “gay boys” being taunted. One young boy in Derby left his ballet group because the girls in his class were taunting him, telling him he would never be as good as they were because of his sex. This proves that it’s not always outside the ballet class where bullying and prejudice happens.

Male ballet dancers have a rigorous training programme such as long hours, a tiring regime, strict diet, lack of sleep, practice, practice, practice - not for wimps! They are not just a dancer but an actor, athlete, a professional of the stage. We need to forget this prejudice, the dancing is what matters, perfection of movement which often brings tears to the eyes of the audience. Rudolf Nureyev, one of the most famous male dancers said “ Ballet is not a label it’s a passion” this shows that he thinks people should stop focusing on the sexuality of the dancers and start focusing on the power of their dancing and the work they put into making their routines perfect.