The balance between males and females in the dance industry – especially ballet – remains slightly skewed. There are predominantly more females than males, wrongly demonstrating that males receive more opportunities in dance; there are simply less of them, so it appears they are ‘better off’ than females.
To this end, it is important to keep boys interested in dance and ballet when they begin lessons as children, and capture that interest so it can be maintained throughout their lives. Younger children find ballet more appealing when they are not doing it alone. Having other boys in ballet classes helps, as males are very competitive. Having other males, or just one, to work with can be very motivating, as well as having special boys-only classes to work purely on technique for male dancers.
If male lessons aren’t possible, teachers can still set specific exercises for boys. When they get older teachers can also include male-orientated steps such as tour en l’air, turns and hops a la seconde, as well as pirouettes from second position. With girls also in the class, combinations can also be made less “pretty” and more strength-based and energetic. While girls may excel in adage or port de bras – although it is not definitive – boys may prefer jumps, separating the aesthetic functionality of the classical technique from the ethereal aesthetic. It is also beneficial for the opposite sexes to try those different exercises too.
Teachers can also encourage their students to find a dancing role model, and this can work particularly well for young male dancers. Here they can identify areas they are good at, and can see what they are striving for. Role models could be famous dancers, a favourite dancer from a local company, a male teacher, or even an older student. YouTube can work well in feeding their inspiration and passion for ballet, and arranging masterclasses with a male teacher can also work well to inspire boys, encouraging them to take ballet long term.