Empowering Boys in Dance

EMPOWERING EMPOWERING

in DANCE in dance

By Sarah Silverblatt-Buser

Public perceptions of boys dancing are still too frequently plagued by judgment. While superheroes and sports stars remain the expected role models, boys dreaming of expressing themselves differently can feel lost and left out. The Vail Dance Festival is taking action towards these outdated perceptions. In partnership with Arts In Society, a project of Redline Contemporary Art Center, the Festival recently launched the Empowering Boys in Dance initiative.

“There is still a real need for role models and mentorship to counter negative stereotypes in this area,” said former New York

City Ballet star and Vail Dance Festival Artistic Director Damian

Woetzel. “As a boy dancing in Boston, my dreams of a future on the stage were fortified by heroes like Edward Villella, who pioneered a positive image of being a male dancer in America.”

The Empowering Boys in Dance initiative directs a needed spotlight on the richness that dance can offer anyone, regardless of gender stereotypes. Calvin Royal III, an American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, describes his excitement in spearheading the project to “help young guys know that there is a place for them.”

“As a Black man in ballet, pursuing this dream was not always fully understood by everyone in my community growing up. It brings me joy to be part of educating and inspiring the next generation of young male dancers to be brave in exploring their interest in dance, too,” remarked Royal.

Royal will be joined by fellow modern-day dance heroes

American Ballet Theatre principal James Whiteside and Coloradonative tap dancer Dario Natarelli throughout a series of interviews, master classes and in-person outreach events prior to and during the Festival.

In addition, a choreography challenge will take place for nonprofessional dancers, ages 8-18, who identify as boys, to create an opportunity for them to share their story through the art of dance. The winning choreographer will be invited to Festival performances and directly interact with Festival Artists to further advance their dance training.

“As a Black man in ballet, pursuing this dream was not always fully understood by everyone in my community growing up. It brings me joy to be part of educating and inspiring the next generation of young male dancers to be brave in exploring their interest in dance, too,”—Calvin Royal III

“I am so happy that with this program and the participation of a selection of today’s male dance stars, we are able to answer that call for the new generation of boys who dream of dancing,” said Woetzel. “Navigating the social terrain of young life in the 21st century poses many challenges. Vail Dance Festival believes that expressing yourself should not be one of them. 

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