The National Ballet of Canada's recent production of Swan Lake stands out notably for its departure from traditional ballet conventions, specifically by having the swans perform in bare legs rather than tights. This change highlights individuality among dancers, contrasting sharply with the usual uniformity expected in ballet corps. As the industry reassesses its aesthetic practices, this production represents a broader movement towards inclusivity, particularly addressing how historical norms surrounding attire have marginalized nonwhite performers and reinforced racial homogeneity in ballet.
At first glance, the 24 swans fluttering across the stage at the Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts in Toronto look as traditional as they come... But as you look closer, you'll see they've abandoned tights, representing a significant shift in ballet tradition.
In an art form built on traditions and rules, it's hard to overstate the significance of a Swan Lake without tights... It's a bit like playing in a baseball game without a cap.
Ballet grapples with its history of racial homogeneity, and many of its longest-standing conventions are coming under the microscope... This involves re-examining aesthetic practices that can make nonwhite dancers feel excluded.
Pale pink tights were introduced to match the skin tone of 19th-century European ballerinas, reinforcing whiteness as an industry norm... For dark-skinned dancers, wearing blush-colored hosiery can be a reminder that they don't satisfy an ideal.
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