Fostering Inclusivity in Ballet: A guide for Educators and Companies
Ballet, a traditionally gendered art form, is undergoing a vital shift towards inclusivity. Experts and dancers are advocating for changes in language, training, and costuming to create a more welcoming and equitable habitat for all. Here’s a guide to cultivating a gender-inclusive ballet space, drawing on insights from professionals like Ballet Zurich soloist Max Richter, New York City Ballet corps member Ruby Lister, and educators like those at Marymount Manhattan college.
Prioritize Individual Understanding: The foundation of inclusivity lies in recognizing individual identity. As Ruby Lister emphasizes, knowing a dancer’s pronouns is only a starting point. Avoid assumptions about roles a dancer might desire based on perceived gender; instead, engage in open conversations to understand their interests and aspirations.
Expand Training Opportunities: Break down customary binary training structures. Encourage all dancers to participate in classes typically associated with a different gender - pointe work for those not traditionally assigned female at birth, and strength-focused “men’s” classes for all.Lister frames this as “cross-training,” highlighting the benefits of building strength and exploring movement in diverse ways.
Refine Language & Casting: gendered language can be subtly exclusionary. Replace divisions like “women” and “men” in class combinations with descriptions based on footwear – “pointe shoes” and ”soft shoes” – allowing dancers to self-select the variation that suits them. This extends to casting notices and audition calls; Max Richter points out that language like “looking for male and female dancers” lacks true inclusivity.
Modernize Dress Codes: Traditional dress codes can be a source of discomfort. institutions like Marymount Manhattan College are leading the way by offering flexible options – leotards and tights, or fitted T-shirts and tights/leggings – without specifying gender. The key is to allow dancers agency in how they meet dress code requirements.
Collaborate on costuming: Costumes can substantially impact a dancer’s comfort and sense of self. Actively collaborate with gender-diverse dancers to create undergarments and costumes that support their identities. Lister’s experience with incorporating a sports binder into a unitard demonstrates the positive impact of this approach, allowing dancers to focus on their art without dysphoria.
embrace Movement Exploration: Technique class should be a safe space for experimentation.Avoid shaming dancers for exploring movement qualities that fall outside traditional gender binaries. Allow male-assigned dancers to explore softness and female-assigned dancers to move with force, fostering individual expression and artistic growth.
Contextualize Gendered Roles: When working on variations or specific roles with historically defined gender presentations, provide historical context. Explain the societal expectations that shaped those presentations, but emphasize that these are roles and not reflections of a dancer’s identity. Frame these assignments as opportunities to stretch artistic boundaries,recognizing that some roles will feel more natural than others.Providing a range of possibilities is crucial for developing well-rounded and fluent artists.
These steps, taken together, can help ballet companies and schools create a more inclusive environment where all dancers feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
