Demure vs. Empowered | Ballet Year Million

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Solo Artist Sarah Clarke in Julianna Rubio Slager’s BareFace. Photo by Kristie Kahns. Costume by Lorianne Robertson.

Throughout the 20th century, ballerinas were often relegated to demure roles that did not showcase their true strength and power. These roles were designed to emphasize traditional gender roles and limit the ways in which women could express themselves through dance. In this blog post, we will explore some specific examples of how ballerinas were placed in demure roles instead of being empowered.

One example of this can be seen in the ballet Swan Lake, which was first performed in 1877 and has since become a classic. In this ballet, the lead female role is that of Odette, a princess who has been cursed to live as a swan. Throughout the ballet, Odette is portrayed as a delicate, ethereal creature who is in need of protection from the male lead, Prince Siegfried. While the role of Odette requires a great deal of technical skill and grace, it also reinforces traditional gender roles and the stereotypical “damsel in distress” storyline.

Another example of this can be seen in the ballet Giselle, which was first performed in 1841. In this ballet, the lead female role is that of Giselle, a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman, Albrecht. When Giselle discovers that Albrecht is engaged to another woman, she goes mad and dies. In the second act, Giselle returns as a ghost and forgives Albrecht, ultimately helping him to defeat the evil spirits who threaten him. While the role of Giselle requires a great deal of technical skill and emotional depth, Giselle’s actions and choices are often dictated by and in response to Albrecht.

While many ballerinas in the 20th century were placed in demure roles that emphasized traditional gender roles and limited their expression, there were also examples of empowered ballerinas who challenged these conventions and showcased their true strength and power. As ballet continues to evolve in the 21st century, it is important for dancers and choreographers to continue pushing back against these limitations and seeking out roles that allow them to express themselves fully and authentically.