Ballet

Tyler Bell

Dr. Hall-Sturgis

English 1510

July 17, 2012

Discrimination

Ballet is a beautiful, artistic, disciplinarian, and confidence boosting way to express oneself. Parents put their children in ballet to gain poise, coordination, muscle control and knowledge of one of the most beautiful form of art. No parent wants their child judged solely on their body type, instead of their talent and potential. In the ballet world long necks, trim shoulders, neatly made upper bodies poised on long legs. They need to look preternaturally neat, and glow with health and purpose. Also, look happy, as if they have a reason studying ballet. Young girls should not be judged on their weight, it is unethical and against the law.

Nine year old, Fredrika Keefer had a dream, to join the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School. This dream was shattered when she was not accepted due to her body type. “According to her application, Fredrika at that time was forty-five inches tall and weighed fifty-five pounds. In other words, she was a solid little girl, and that probably played some part in the school's decision” (Acocella 1). It is known for ballet dancers to have small amounts of body fat. According to the New Yorker, In the nineteenth century, ballerinas were scolded for being too skinny. The focus is solely on technique, and the ability to do petite allegro, grande allegro and others with quick movement and on time with the music, for that you must be thin is what the ballet world tells you.

Being African American, my body type is completely different from others. Yes, I have the stereotypical large buttocks and thighs. Which is also known as the “coca-cola bottle shape”. while being in the ballet world with this body shape, I have had my ups and downs. Just like Fredrika, Ive been told no before I would even receive the chance to perform. Not fitting the typical body type of long legs, small waist, small breast and buttocks Ive learned to walk into every class and audition...