POLOKWANE – In celebrating Women’s Month, ballet teacher and owner of Northern Ballet Academy, Marlie Barnard believes men who partake in female dominated sport should be appreciated and applauded for taking a big step and letting go of their pride to follow their dream, no matter what anybody says.

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“I would advise people who have the mind-set that ballet is just for women or it will make a guy turn gay, to do some research regarding male dancers. Do not judge from what you see from the outside. Do thorough research before assuming,” she said.

She explains that she does not think that ballet is a feminine sport at all. “Take a look at Marian Walter and Alex Wong on Instagram for instance, professional ballet dancers are very muscular, well built, strong and supple. No rugby player or gym junkie would be able to do what they are doing. Carrying women of different sizes is not a child’s play and it needs a strong man. Some men might look slim, but they’re very strong because the stunts they do are very challenging,” she said.

Marlie adds that aside from ballet, male dancers can also do other dance styles such as contemporary, tap, hip hop, krumping as well as ballroom.

“If a guy is passionate about a specific sport such as ballet, they can do what female ballet dancers do, as long as it does not limit them from anything,” she said. The correct term to use for Male Ballet Dancers is ‘danseur’. 

Regarding the dress code, ballet danseurs usually wear a white fitted t-shirt, black lycra tights, white socks and black ballet shoes.

“Benefits of ballet include incredible muscle strength, core strength and stability, elevation and upper body strength, just to name a few. Ballet is a combination of pilates and endurance training,” she said.

In Marlie’s own opinion, male dancers are far more superior than female dancers these days but she says female ballet dancers look more elegant and graceful, especially on pointe.

She concludes by saying that posture in ballet does not differ from males and females as basic posture and poise stays the same.

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anne@nmgroup.co.za