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*Artists of Ballet 5:8 in Julianna Rubio Slager’s* Todo Raba.

Ballet, as an art form, has a rich history that spans centuries. However, one aspect of this history that has come under scrutiny in recent years is the celebration of hierarchy. In traditional ballets, the lead dancer or principal dancer would always occupy the most prominent position, with other dancers arranged in a descending order of importance. This hierarchy was celebrated as an essential part of ballet, but 21st-century ballets need to reflect equality across a diverse landscape.

The celebration of hierarchy in traditional ballets can be traced back to the early 19th century, when ballet became a popular art form in Europe. At that time, ballet was performed mainly in the courts of the aristocracy, and the ballets themselves were often commissioned by kings and queens. These monarchs would often play a role in the ballet, either as a character or as a patron, and their status would be reflected in the performance itself.

As ballet became more popular, and as it moved from the courts to the theaters, this celebration of hierarchy continued. The lead dancer, often referred to as the prima ballerina, became the star of the show, with other dancers arranged in a descending order of importance. The ballets themselves often reinforced this hierarchy, with the most challenging and prestigious roles given to the lead dancer, while other dancers were relegated to supporting roles.

This celebration of hierarchy in ballet is problematic because it reinforces the idea that some people are inherently more important than others. In a world that is striving for greater equality and inclusivity, this kind of thinking has no place. In fact, it can be actively harmful, particularly to those who are marginalized or underrepresented.

That's why 21st-century ballets need to reflect equality across a diverse landscape. Ballet companies must actively work to break down these traditional hierarchies and create a more inclusive and diverse environment. This can be done in a number of ways, including casting decisions, choreography, and even the choice of music.

One way to break down hierarchies in ballet is to offer more opportunities to dancers who are traditionally underrepresented. This could include dancers of color, dancers with disabilities, or dancers from marginalized communities. By giving these dancers a chance to take on more prominent roles, ballet companies can help to create a more inclusive and diverse art form.

Another way to promote equality in ballet is through choreography. Ballets that celebrate individuality and collaboration can help to shift the culture of ballet and promote a more inclusive atmosphere. This could include group dances or pas de deux that feature more than one lead dancer, or choreography that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork.

Finally, ballet companies can also work to promote equality through their choice of music. Traditional ballets often feature music that is rooted in Western classical traditions. However, there is a wealth of music from other cultures and genres that could be incorporated into ballets to create a more diverse, inclusive, and relevant art form.

While the celebration of hierarchy in traditional ballets is a part of its history, it's important for ballet to evolve to reflect a more diverse and inclusive landscape. By actively promoting equality through casting decisions, choreography, and music choices, ballet companies can help to create a more inclusive and diverse art form that can be enjoyed by all.