What makes ballet girls so special? In fact, ballet is a very feminine art form, and not everyone can be a ballet dancer. There is a strict hierarchy within the ballet world, and men and women are assigned specific roles. Ballet is a form of classical dance, and the training required for becoming a dancer is extensive. You need years of training to master proper technique. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a ballet dancer.
Ballet Girls starts with auditions that span across Canada. The film follows the young hopefuls as they compete for the dream of becoming a professional dancer. A successful audition means leaving home for the first time. Once there, they attend ballet school, and never go home again. In this film, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a ballet dancer. In addition, we learn how ballet girls handle the pressure and stress of professional dancers.
Edgar Degas’ painting of a ballerina in a tense moment represents the sordid reality that dancers faced backstage. The woman in black is likely a prostitute. The backstage world of ballet was filled with sex work, power, and money, and it was all part of the package for the young ballerinas. Degas’ work is particularly disturbing in light of the sex-laden world of the Paris Opera.