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The idea that Ballet “is the foundation of all dance forms”, is white supremacy and racist.
Ballet, historically, is an amalgamation of European folk dances, court dances and steps, codefied by the royal French government.
It was originally viewed from above, which is why it stresses uniformity and line, which reflects the colonial politics of its creators.
It was originally viewed from above, which is why it stresses uniformity and line, which reflects the colonial politics of its creators.
It is not only incongruent with many Black bodies, but, especially if started young enough, it alters the alignment of the skeleton—not necessarily “weakening” the body, but changing it structurally.
The feet, ankles, knees, and hips become more turned out. The hips tucked. The shoulder girdle support, but also pulled back and exagerratedly presented.
The sooner you realize even the science of posture, as it relates to classical dance forms dissolved into the vernacular of the body, is Eurocentric.....the sooner youll relax your goddamn shoulders and stand how you Blackass wanna.
All dance forms embody and physicalize the thoughts and feelings of the people and communities that create them. Ballet is thusly inherently anti-Black, colonialist, and racist, and is an unconfortable art to learn.
Movement, in and of itself, is...not necessarily racist, but codefied dance forms and styles absolutely can be. Because theyr ecreated with certain bodies, movements, and people in mind.
I dont necessarily dissuade Black and POC dancers from learning Ballet. It can strengthen certain muscle groups and train your body in amazing ways, just like any other dance/movement.
Just be careful about learning it with the mentality that it is “THE STANDARD”.
Just be careful about learning it with the mentality that it is “THE STANDARD”.
It is not the standard. Its a dance form and style. Just like Popping, Locking, Vogue, House, Onngata, Noh, Butoh, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, Tango, Flamenco, Twerking, Tap, etc.
It doesnt make you any less of a dancer if youre not good at or have no interest in Ballet.
It doesnt make you any less of a dancer if youre not good at or have no interest in Ballet.
