This year I have seen countless TikToks, Instagram Reels, and Threads discussing that ballet has “gone the way of opera” and is not accessible to the general public. Firstly, I wholeheartedly disagree that ballet (or opera) is inaccessible. I personally find most sporting events and all of the implied etiquette and traditions that go along with it to be difficult to figure out, but I don’t go around calling it inaccessible. Secondly, there are many people, myself included, who specifically work to make culture as accessible as possible. We answer questions, share info so that people feel as comfortable and informed as possible when they attend, and hopefully show people that culture and the performing arts.
These are some of my favourite culture posts of 2023, where I hope that I have made it more accessible!
Before I get into the posts themselves, I would just like to put this out there again: if there is anything that confuses you about ballet or you have always wondered about, please feel free to send me an email or a message! I want nothing more for people to enjoy the ballet and the theatre in general, and if there is something that will help you feel more comfortable, I am happy to help.
My Favourite Culture Posts of 2023
The Best Ballets for New Audience Members
Although I posted this back in February 2023, I think that it is more important now than ever. I firmly believe that ballet should never be overwhelming for the audience, in that you should not be anxious if you have never attended. You don’t need to know any languages*, there will be a synopsis for you to read before, and there is no right or wrong reception to what you see on the stage. Still, the ballets I have recommended here have familiar storylines that any audience member of any age should be able to enjoy.
*This is a massive misconception with opera in particular- you don’t need to know any foreign languages to watch and enjoy opera. 1. Opera distorts vowels and consonants to the point where you would not recognise English, and 2. They have subtitles for everyone to follow along!
The Best Ballet Biographies and Memoirs
If you are a reader, these are some excellent biographies and memoirs to bring you into the world of ballet. I think that many of us connect with individual’s lives and stories, and there is no shortage of fascinating stories within the ballet world. I’ve chosen biographies from different periods and different regions to showcase some of the most interesting dancers who will give you a look into the backstage world of dance. (And yes, these are biographies, not fiction- as “out there” as they might be!)
The Life and Career of Dame Alicia Markova
We often hear about the same dancers over and over- Misty Copeland, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fonteyn, Nureyev, etc. Yes, they are fascinating (and talented). However, there are countless talented dancers that have made a massive impact upon ballet and culture that deserve attention as well. Not only was she a co-founder of the ballet company that would go on to become the English National Ballet and serve as a Governor for the Royal Ballet, she was the first Jewish Principal dancer in Britain. It may seem like she was just a dancer, but it should be noted that performing arts that have strong female elements like ballet are often pushed aside as just.
The History of Royal Patrons of the Arts
Nowadays it is less common to see celebrities and royals attending the ballet or the opera. (Aside from the Danish and Swedish Royal Families- they are always publicly out at the theatre!) While we know that many royals do take in performances, they often will come in through a separate entrance and are fairly well hidden during the performance. However, that is a relatively new concept. Historically, royals have played a substantial role for the arts, with many royals serving as patrons for ballet and theatre companies, galleries, artists, and more. These artistic patronages have changed throughout the centuries and across courts- here we examine some standout royal patrons. (Some of them may actually surprise you!)
I hope you have enjoyed my favourite culture posts of 2023!
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
I know that ballet is truly alive and well after I watched a spectacular performance of the Nutcracker in Chicago, all set to a “contemporary” story-line during the early 1900s Chicago World’s Fair. It was thrilling to see the dancers live and also to be in a packed theater. Now I just have to be sure to see the winter and spring shows!