16 replies to this topic

[Cordelia]

If the current trend continues, future ballerinas will look like the 2012 U.S. Women's gymnastic team.  Bulky and muscular with athletic prowess but without an ounce of grace or elegance.  Many people even ballet fans today equate ballet with sports or overvalue athleticism in ballet, so it makes sense that future ballerinas will have powerful builds and sportier technique overwhelmingly prized over innate lyricism.  Natalia Osipova has jumpstarted this trend IMO.

[trieste]

I think there will be less one overarching trend and a greater appreciation for a variety of physiques. There will be short Odettes and Myrthas, athletic Auroras and Giselles. And I think it will be a good thing, because artistry and stage presence will count for more than size. It seems to be happening already, with small dancers like Osipova and Obraztsova leaving their home companies for greener pastures with more acceptance of dancers breaking type.