You are here:

Ballet/role of male dancers

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/26/2008


Question
Balanchine said,"Ballet is woman." What role does the male dancer play; accessory to the woman or necessity to the dance?

Answer
Hmmm....sounds like a pop quizz. But seriously, of course male dancers are necessary to the dance. Ballets are about human life. Romance, war, life, death et al.

Balanchine was heterosexual, and while many choreographers who were not have choreographed beautiful works for women, Balanchine obviously relished and cherished his female lead dancers. His portrayal of women as muses stands out - Don Quixote, Apollo - and the relationship of man to woman in Seranade. I'm not an academic expert on choreographers, but I do not think Balanchine diminished the role of men in his ballets. I think he emphasized an aspect of womanhood that was important to him -  inspiration.

There is also an element of the unobtainable - unrequited love. I didn't quite see that until I saw the bio-pic of Suzanne Farrell. I enjoyed listening to her talk about him and their relationship. He was not fulfilled in his love for her yet that seemed to drive his genius on. Like I say, I am not an academic, just an observer.

I hope my opinion has helped in some way. All he best, Dianne.

Ballet

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.