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Boys Can Dance, Too: Breaking the Ballet Stereotype
The Studio Director PO Box 3221, Monument CO 80132, United States (719) 302-6029
While many cultures see dance as an acceptable activity for men, in the West, theatrical dance such as ballet is still strongly associated with women. This stigma often rouses cultural anxiety when carried out by boys and young men because of the risk being labeled too feminine.
Clashing Against the ClichÊ Popular culture still sees ballet as a feminine pursuit. The anxiety surrounding dancing men is strongly associated with homosexuality. Even though not all men who dance are gay, homophobia remains an issue to some. Society associates the male body with the feminine qualities of the dance and generalizes men who decide to dance. The status quo of what a real man should be include behaviors such as assertiveness, emotional unresponsiveness and aggression. The general public created the idea of masculinity out of a collection of ideas that generate the belief that maleness is a strong identity. With ballet being categorized as feminine, there’s a negative connotation when men pursue this art.
A Change in the Dance Routine In larger and more diverse cities, many male dancers are thriving. As more flexible lessons become available, more men are going to ballet classes. With benefits such as being an outlet of selfexpression and creativity and offering great physical challenges, it is quickly becoming popular with the male population.
Benefits of Dancing to the Ballet Tune Ballet is a great way to build the core of the body. The exercises taught at an early age help strengthen muscles like the abdominals and obliques. The dance is an aerobic experience proven to be a healthy activity that builds endurance. Ballet is a physical activity that requires great skills and agility, making it an ideal fit for the male energy. Contrary to the public’s perception that ballet is not a masculine activity, the style requires the dancers to be in top physical form and able to endure physical injuries like athletes in the field. Its beauty and elegance mask the tough training and physical hazard of this art.
Sources: http://www.thestudiodirector.com/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/11848464/Inside-the-worlds-only-all-male-balletschool.html