By Noah Trulock

September 16, 2023

Where are the boys? 

Ballet, an exquisite art form that demands grace, strength, and discipline, has traditionally been associated with girls and women. However, there is a growing interest in encouraging boys to participate in ballet classes. Despite the numerous benefits and potential for a lucrative career, boys face several challenges when venturing into the world of ballet. But why is this? There are many difficulties boys encounter in pursuing ballet, the rewards and opportunities that await them can be life-changing. It is crucial for parents to consider enrolling their boys in ballet, as it offers a unique and valuable experience.

Social Norms and Parental Perceptions 

One significant obstacle boys face in pursuing ballet is the prevailing social norms and parental sperceptions surrounding the art form. Ballet is often not envisioned as a suitable option for boys when considering extracurricular activities. Baseball, basketball, football, and other sports activities are much more common. For the arts, picking up a musical instrument seems to be a more standard choice. But when it comes to opportunities for boys, society tends to associate ballet with femininity. The more comfortable choice for parents gravitates towards sports or other activities traditionally considered more "masculine." As a result, boys may not be exposed to the possibility of pursuing ballet, limiting their opportunities from an early age. Many parents are simply unaware that this is even a viable option for boys. Overcoming these societal expectations and biases is crucial in allowing boys to explore their passion for ballet.

Feeling Out of Place

Boys may experience a sense of unease and feeling out of place when they enter a ballet classroom dominated by female teachers and predominantly female students. This can be particularly challenging because the aesthetic goals for boys in ballet differ from those of girls. In classical ballet roles, male characters showcase strength, athleticism, and precision over delicate movements. It is important to prepare boys for a female majority environment and help them develop proper expectations for what a ballet class may entail. It is important to stress, patience, respect for others, and knowledge that they add their own unique personality and ability to the class. By setting appropriate expectations, boys can thrive in the classroom and feel more comfortable finding their own personal expression through ballet.

Lack of Role Models and Peers

The absence of male role models and peers in ballet can be discouraging for young boys interested in pursuing the art form. The lack of representation prevents boys from envisioning themselves as ballet dancers and may lead them to believe that ballet is not meant for them. It is crucial to provide boys with opportunities to see male ballet dancers of different ages, family members, friends, and mentors engaged in ballet. Ballet is truly an art form for all, if we have the creativity to envision it. Search for male ballet stars online such as Daniil Simkin, Steven McRae, or Joaquin De luz,  and you will see staggering feats of strength, gravity-defying leaps, and even behind the scenes footage of their strength conditioning. By fostering a supportive community and highlighting successful male ballet dancers, boys can find inspiration and motivation to pursue their passion. 

Love for Ballet

Despite the challenges, many boys who engage in ballet find themselves falling in love with the art form. The appeal of ballet can be compared to that of gymnastics, which has proven more successful in attracting boys throughout the years. Boys are drawn to the physicality and mechanics of movement in ballet, such as pirouettes and leaps, as they enjoy the challenge of mastering these elements. This newfound passion often leads to a healthy obsession and a dedicated commitment to honing their skills in ballet.

Lucrative Career Opportunities

Ballet offers exceptional career prospects for boys. The odds of boys making it into professional ballet companies are immensely higher than those for girls, as the demand for male ballet dancers often exceeds the supply. This creates unique opportunities for boys to secure prominent roles and establish themselves in the field. Consider the Nutcracker, a perennial favorite of all audiences to the point that it is family tradition for many. Within this ballet, there are so many male roles: from party boys and Fritz, all the way up to multiple princes, a cavalier, soldiers, and of course, the Nutcracker itself. These roles are often covered by girls due to lack of numbers. But what boy wouldn’t enjoy running around with swords, or playing around imagining like it’s Christmas everyday during rehearsal! 

Moreover, many accomplished male ballet dancers transition into directorial roles and become choreographers, further expanding the possibilities for a successful career in ballet. For as many females as there are dancing, it is commonplace to see the choreography being taught to them by men, and directors of ballet companies being male lead. These career prospects make ballet an enticing and fruitful pursuit for boys if they choose to stick with it long enough.

Did we change the world yet?

While boys face societal and personal challenges when entering the world of ballet, the rewards and opportunities that await them are significant. By addressing social norms, fostering an inclusive environment, and providing male role models, the barriers boys face in pursuing ballet can be overcome. It is essential for parents to consider enrolling their boys in ballet, as it offers a unique and valuable experience that nurtures discipline, artistic expression, physicality, and self-confidence. With dedication, passion, and support, boys can thrive in ballet and contribute to the art form in extraordinary ways.