Boys can do ballet: Busting gender stereotypes and the benefits of dancing

(Image: @milliepilkingtonphotography/ Getty Images)

The sport has the royal seal of approval with Prince George loving ballet.

By Gregor Thieler, ballet dancer and director of the Tanya Pearsons Academy alongside Xanthe Geeves

With a history dating back more than four hundred years, ballet has progressed from Renaissance court pageantry to royal entertainment to full-fledged performing art.

It is often misunderstood as a form of dance meant for girls and women only, but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, most ballet dances were historically performed predominantly by men, so the misconception that it’s not for males is not a reflection of the truth.

Although girls still outnumber boys in ballet in Australia, there has been a gradual increase in participation for boys over time, challenging the stigma that ballet is for girls and affirming that dance is for everyone.

I’ve spent years training and performing as a professional male ballet dancer in Europe and USA, and now as Director of the Tanya Pearson Academy, I’m excited to offer more opportunities for boys in ballet and dance to encourage them to explore this beautiful artform.

boys ballet — There is a rise in boys doing ballet in Australia. (Image: Getty Images)

Male ballet dancers are athletes – their strength and stamina alone put professionals at the level of Olympians. Our academy is proud to offer boys-only classes to create a safe space for boys to learn, grow, and share their passion amongst like-minded peers.

Our boys only program offers classical ballet, contemporary dance, and pas de deux plus boys-only workshops with special guest male teachers from professional companies such as The Australian Ballet and The Royal New Zealand Ballet. We focus on tailored training to ensure boys who want to dance are given every chance to succeed.

If you aren’t yet convinced, check out the benefits below.

10 reasons ballet is for boys – and anyone else too!

It helps make them better at other sports

Ballet provides a strong foundation by focusing on proper technique, rhythm, and overall fitness, while also fostering teamwork and social skills. With ballet mimicking the acceleration and deceleration required in sports like tennis and football, many will see an increase in their agility and ease of movement outside of the studio.

Even boxers do ballet

Harry Garside, an Olympic boxer, is one of the famous names who is challenging societal misconceptions and speaking out about his love for ballet. Whilst the physical benefits of ballet are quite clear, Harry claims that it is the way ballet leaves him feeling that keeps him coming back to the sport, saying that his confidence has skyrocketed and he feels that by challenging society’s boundaries there really is nothing he can’t do.

Ballet builds physical strength

Ballet can help improve balance, flexibility, strength and endurance, increasing physical fitness generally. Ballet strength can also assist in preventing injury due to its focus on stretching and strength exercises.

Professional ballet dancers — Male ballet dancers are athletes – their strength and stamina alone put professionals at the level of Olympians. *(Image: Supplied)*

Ballet builds discipline

Ballet involves adhering to expected behaviours and perfecting dance steps, fostering self-discipline in boys which can translate into other areas of life. Hard work and dedication are a big part of ballet training, and this is where boys can learn the act of committing to something to achieve results.

It allows boys to express themselves artistically

Ballet empowers boys to tap into their inner artists, developing curiosity, imagination, and emotional expression, just like other artistic pursuits.

It’s good enough for a prince

Times are changing and the royal Prince George is known to be a ballet fanatic. In 2019, Prince William shared: “George is doing dancing as well, he loves it.”

He went on to say, “My mother always used to dance. And if it’s something you love, you do what you love. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Keep at it.”

After initially receiving backlash from some media for George’s love for the sport, hundreds of ballet dancers quickly came to his defence to support that ballet is in fact very much for boys.

Prince George — Prince William on his son loving ballet: “Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Keep at it.” *(Image: @milliepilkingtonphotography)*

It challenges stereotypes

Male ballet dancers deliver a blend of physical strength and grace, debunking the misconception that strength and elegance are gender-exclusive qualities. Ballet encourages boys to push against traditional gender stereotypes and shows how the power of art can redefine societal norms and expectations.

Ballet helps to establish lifelong values

Ballet instils a number of long-lasting values and helps build strong character traits in boys including respect, resilience, and teamwork.

It inspires others

Boys taking part in ballet sends a positive message for aspiring dancers, especially other boys who may hesitate to get involved. This helps boys develop confidence in themselves as they see other boys taking on an activity that they truly enjoy and feel passionate about.

Ballet provides the opportunity to explore the world

Because there are so few male dancers in relation to females, the jobs available to men are particularly significant. A career in dance can result in travel all over the world, working with inspiring people in incredible locations.