Original scientific paper

Gender in Perception: Stereotypes in Classical Ballet (Abstract)

Ivana Katarinčić ; The Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Research, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Theoretical considerations of dance from the feminist perspective mostly point to the subordination of women in dance. Without pretending to dispute it, this paper points to yet insufficiently discussed stigmatization of male dancers. It has frequently been attempted to oppose the stereotypical image of male ballet dancers as feminine by colouring the ballet with protective hues through sports discourse, most often employing the strategy of emphasizing macho men in dance. The aim of this paper is to question the assumptions which are the basis for shaping prejudice about men in dance, which – in classical ballet primarily – stigmatize them and associate them with homosexuality. It is interesting to see how the homosexual aesthetics of the ballet world has led to the allegedly homosexual orientation of male ballet dancers.

Keywords

dance; gender,; classical ballet; male dancers; masculinity; femininity; homosexuality; sports

Hrčak ID:

112116

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/112116

Publication date:

17.12.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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