Ballet is a classical form of dance. It has been around for centuries and has regularly held strong gendered norms. As a classically trained dancer, Katy Pyle stayed in their expected role, enamored and distracted by their love of dance. Today, however, they’re breaking the mold with her own dance company, Ballez.
Pyle’s spoke with the New York Times saying, “I didn’t have space for any other relationships in my life. It’s silly, but that was my true love…I truly was a stranger to myself until I got out of ballet.”
Pyle’s spoke from her Brooklyn home via phone to the New York Times. While they are a lesbian and feminist, Pyle’s who uses the pronouns they and them, does not fully identify as a woman.
There had always been many openly gay men within the ballet world, but they saw no representation of someone like them. Something they noticed even more when leaving ballet, no longer being a stranger to themselves.
What Is Ballez?
“Ballez welcomes the outcasts that have always been ballet’s muses; those whose identities have been a part of ballet, but were forced into the shadows. In the margins, we have still communicated who we are through the study and mastery of ballet’s coded gendered gestures, and we know how to dance our identities, and subversively change our genre.” – Just a small excerpt from their Mission.
Ballez is a unique dance company that is truly inclusive and extends beyond the strict gender norms of traditional ballet. It offers a place for dancers and audiences alike to feel represented while being true to themselves.
Gender Norms And Ballet
Professional classical ballet is known to be narrow and extremely competitive for women. There is an expected body type. There are size, weight, even hair expectations. Those expectations also center upon Eurocentric norms.
While there is room for pushing the boundaries, the competitive nature of ballet makes it difficult to do so.
Pyle’s explains: “If Katy Pyle is not living up to the expectations of how to be, there are 20 other young women who want that place.”
Make noise. Press for change. Seek representation outside the norms. However, you will easily be replaced in ballet. Change within is difficult.
While men also have expectations within ballet, there’s less of them competing in many places. They need to be fit; they need to be able to lift. But there is traditionally more acceptance of varying identity and sexuality among men in dance.
Inclusivity At The International Ballet Academy
The International Ballet Academy teaches classical ballet with professional instructors. While we teach classical ballet, we do not uphold any classic discrimination or norms which exclude anyone.
One of the advantages of our online ballet academy is the ability to participate in classical ballet training in the comfort of your home. You can wear any dance or active wear which you feel comfortable in. Style your hair however you wish.
There is no pressure to conform to specific aesthetics when participating in classical ballet training in your own home.
At IBA, we strive to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect. We strive to make ballet accessible to all, and comfortable for all.
Breaking The Mold In Classical Ballet
In addition to Katy Pyle’s, several others are seeking to break the mold within ballet. Scholar and dance artist, Alyah Baker explored her artistic lineage as a queer Black woman in ballet through her recent master’s thesis.
Her Duke University thesis, “Quare Dance,” highlights her experience and that of three other dancers who share her intersection of identities.
Baker shared, “Always being the only one is a thing I’ve experienced a lot, either the only Black woman, or the only Black dancer, or the only queer dancer or queer woman in certain circles.” However, her research was motivated by knowing she isn’t the only one.
Dance, art, ballet, are meant to be enjoyed by all through practice and observation. IBA supports the dancers who brave breaking the molds.
Be sure to read the entire New York Time’s article to learn more:
Lesbians in Ballet: ‘Has Anyone Like Me Ever Walked These Halls?’
Are you ready to begin your own dance journey? Register today to get started without being tied to a mold.
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