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For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard the same thing: “Ballet is not political.”


It’s a phrase meant to silence criticism. A way to uphold tradition without accountability. But the truth? Ballet has always been political.


From who gets access to training, to who is cast in leading roles, to who makes the rules—ballet is shaped by power structures, gatekeeping, and deep-seated biases.


And I’m tired of pretending otherwise.


At Pointed Ballet Academy, we believe in breaking down barriers and ensuring that ballet remains an art form for everyone who loves it—not just those who fit an outdated mold.


1️⃣ Ballet’s Gatekeeping Problem


Let’s be real: Ballet has never been accessible to everyone.

• It was originally an art form for the elite, meant to be performed for royalty and high society.

• Today, high-quality training is expensive, geographically limited, and often favors those with generational access.

• Many dancers are still overlooked because they don’t fit a Eurocentric ideal—in body type, ethnicity, or style.


The idea that ballet is a pure meritocracy—where only talent and hard work matter—is simply not true.


💡 At Pointed Ballet Academy, we believe in nurturing talent, not excluding it.


2️⃣ Ballet’s Unspoken Social Codes


Ballet training doesn’t just teach technique—it teaches conformity.


From a young age, dancers are conditioned to:

✔️ Stay silent and follow orders.

✔️ Accept hierarchy without questioning.

✔️ Put discipline above well-being.


And while discipline is essential, blind obedience is not.


Ballet has historically prioritized perfection over individuality, tradition over evolution, and aesthetics over health.


🔥 Pointed Ballet Academy believes in structure, but we also believe in self-expression, critical thinking, and training that respects the dancer’s mind and body.


3️⃣ The Economics of Ballet: Who Profits?


Ballet is an art form—but it’s also an industry. And like any industry, it is shaped by money.

• Major ballet companies rely on billionaire donors and corporate sponsors, which influences programming, leadership, and casting decisions.

• The financial burden of training—classes, pointe shoes, auditions, summer intensives—makes it difficult for many to stay in the art form.

• Meanwhile, dancers themselves are often underpaid, overworked, and expected to “suffer for their art.”


💡 At Pointed Ballet Academy, we emphasize the importance of career sustainability—so dancers don’t just train, but thrive.


4️⃣ The Role of Women in Ballet: Beautiful, But Not Always Powerful


Ballet is built on feminine artistry—yet women rarely hold the highest leadership positions.

• Most major ballet companies are led by men.

Choreography is still dominated by male voices.

• Women in ballet are often expected to be muses rather than decision-makers.


This isn’t just about tradition—it’s about power.


🔥 Pointed Ballet Academy empowers dancers to develop their artistic voice, not just execute someone else’s vision.


5️⃣ Can Ballet Be Reclaimed?


Yes—but only if we acknowledge its flaws and work toward change.


Ballet needs to prioritize diversity—not just in casting, but in leadership, training, and storytelling.

Ballet training must evolve to be both rigorous and sustainable—without sacrificing dancers’ health.

Dancers deserve to be heard, respected, and given the space to develop their own artistry.


At Pointed Ballet Academy, we believe in honoring ballet’s rich history while actively shaping its future.


🔥 Final Thought: Art Is Always Political


When people say, “Ballet isn’t political,” what they really mean is: “I don’t want to question the system.”


But art is always political—because art is about who gets to participate, who gets seen, and who gets to tell the story.


At Pointed Ballet Academy, we are here to create a new generation of dancers—one that isn’t afraid to take up space, ask questions, and demand better.


💬 What are your thoughts? Have you ever felt the politics of ballet firsthand? Let’s discuss.

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Pointed Ballet Academy proudly believes in building and serving diverse communities. We strive to educate and collaborate to help make the Ballet community stronger and more aware of positive efforts to make a difference.

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