Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
The Dark History of Ballet
Mar 26, 2024
Deirdre Kelly, author of Ballerina: Sex, Scandal and Suffering, discusses the dark history of ballet, from King Louis XIV's influence to female pioneers embracing sexuality. Topics include exploitation, patronage system, Kamargo's innovations, tragic fates of ballerinas, and struggles faced by dancers in terms of finances, job instability, and societal challenges.
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Quick takeaways
- Ballet originated in European courts, faced gender barriers and evolved through costume reforms.
- Misty Copeland's success as ABT's first Black principal dancer signifies progress towards diversity in ballet.
Deep dives
Evolution of Ballet and Gender Relations
Ballet traces its roots to the courts of Europe, initially a male pursuit. Over time, women entered ballet, facing societal stigmas, sexual patronage, and exploitative working conditions. The art form's evolution showcased costume reforms, leading to more revealing attire reflecting changing societal norms. Dancers like Camargo challenged conventions by innovating costume designs and techniques, reshaping ballet's aesthetics.
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