Blog 1 Task 1 Balanchine + Women Aesthetic

 Welcome everyone! It is very nice to be back for Module 2. I am looking forward to research and making meaning in action this term. In addition, to conversing and learning more from of all of you. 

This is my task 1 for module 2. I am looking at how George Balanchine shaped classical ballet in America and his aesthetic preference/leadership set tones for ballet companies into this century. Balanchine's iconic saying "ballet is woman" can have a range of responses. Some believe this style of thinking is what makes ballet. Others feel this is limiting to social constructs and freedom of expression in dance today. He preferred women to look light or a fairy-like, not to have children, and not to date around unless it was with him. He preferred the women dancers to be submissive and deity like which led to blurs between psychological and physical abuse in addition to many scandals with NYCB during his time as a leader. Some say this is part of the profession, and his ingenious work mitigates the scandals. Others and many former ballerinas/colleagues have taken the stance that these notions have created unhealthy standards in ballet. For me, this is not a right or wrong perspective but a "how can we evolve ballet from the standards to be an inclusive and safe space." I believe Balanchine offered incredible musical and choreographical insight. He also paved the way for a lot of American ballet. Is there a way we can take Balanchine's remarkable aspects and insight while evolving the outdated more suppressive psychological and physical factors?