Ballet's New Crescendo
As the currents of time flow, so does the realm of culture and arts. In December 2023, The Chocolate Ballerina Company in Philadelphia presented an all-Black production of The Nutcracker, showcasing ripples of change in the ballet world. Join the Sungkyun Times (SKT) to delve into the shadows cast on a ballet stage after the lights dim and the curtains fall.
Unspoken Tales
Ballet, an art form as ancient as it is ethereal, gracefully leaps through the annals of history, woven from the delicate threads of music and art. This dance, born in the regal courts of Renaissance Italy before flourishing under the opulent gaze of the French and Russian aristocracy, has long been a vessel for storytelling. Traditional ballet began as royal amusement and later evolved onto a stage where the fusion of artistry and physical prowess captivates audiences worldwide. Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s magnum opus, stands as a paragon of ballet, with its first tentative steps onto the stage evolving into a majestic stride through the history of performing arts. First premiered at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1877, Swan Lake came under the spotlight when Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov performed the piece in 1895, truly unveiling the dance in its full splendor, setting the standard for ballets to come, and cementing its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Each performance is a rebirth, a moment where time stands still, and the audience is transported to realms made from unspoken tales of ballet dancers.
A Poetry en Pointe
-The Same White Swan
In the world of ballet, a dance form steeped in centuries of tradition and artistic integrity, there exists a prevailing belief among purists that true ballet adheres strictly to its classical roots. While honoring the rich history and foundational techniques of ballet, this perspective has sparked a debate within the industry regarding the implications for freedom of creation and evolution in the art form. A professor from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) told the SKT, “It is true that the ballet stage is not offering space for contemporary and innovative ballet, which is the glass ceiling that the ballet industry must break.” By confining ballet to a narrow set of historical narratives and established compositions, the industry risks alienating modern audiences and limiting the potential for innovative expressions through dance.
-Gracefully, Mockingly
The strong inclination for traditional ballet to exhibit inadvertently perpetuated stereotypes, including orientalism and racial discrimination, casts a shadow over ballet as a culture. For instance, the portrayal of Asian characters in traditional ballet pieces such as The Nutcracker and La Bayadère often falls into orientalism, presenting exaggerated and stereotypical images that pose as mockery to Asian cultures. In The Nutcracker, particularly in the Chinese Tea Dance, characters are often portrayed with exaggerated costumes and makeup, including pointed hats, eyes to imitate slanted eyes, and moving in ways that mimic traditional Chinese dances in a caricatured manner. Similarly, the tradition of blackface in Petrouchka and the use of caricature in The Golden Cockerel underscore the racial insensitivities that persist within the repertoire. The impact of such stereotypes extends beyond the stage, influencing casting decisions and the career trajectories of dancers from marginalized communities. The historic lack of diversity in lead roles has been a point of contention, highlighting the need for systemic change, especially for dancers of color. According to the RAD professor, ballet is a dance with historical value that is in desperate need of change. For ballet to evolve further into a culture, it must respect all races and cultures.
Timeless, Always
In the intricate narrative of ballet’s history, it is imperative for the ballet community to participate in campaigns aimed at modernizing classical ballet and eliminating the problematic elements hindering ballet’s future. Such efforts could be the key to ensuring ballet’s relevance and vibrancy in the 21st century, allowing it to continue telling stories in a way that speaks to both traditionalists and those seeking fresh artistic expressions. This evolution allows the art form to remain respectful, eliminating outdated stereotypes that have long permeated its storied past. A notable example of this progressive shift is the reimagining of La Bayadère by the Indiana University Ballet. The piece was redesigned by replacing stereotypical representations with contemporary dances that intend to appreciate differences in culture and race. Moreover, the Final Bow for Yellowface campaign underscores a collective effort within the ballet community to eradicate ignorant portrayals, particularly of Asian characters in The Nutcracker’s Chinese Tea dance. This active participation is crucial for fostering a ballet culture that is both progressive and respectful, enabling the art form to stay vibrant and relevant for future generations.
Ballet, a dance of time and tradition, pirouettes at the crossroads of history and innovation. In its embrace of change, ballet extends its hands to a future where diversity blossoms on stage. As it leaps towards inclusivity, each turn toward adaptation is a step toward unity. May the Kingos applaud a stage where every story and every dancer find its place in the spotlight.