Queensland Ballet is offering free classes for boys aged 11-14 in a bid to stop a further drastic decline in male participation rates.
There has been a 36 percent decline in male enrolments at the Queensland Ballet Academy since 2020, a downward trend that Academy Director Christian Tàtchev says is a global issue.
Queensland Ballet Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe said the decline was serious enough for the company to take a stand and address the potential threat to ballet in its current form.
“As such, we are encouraging the dance and broader community to join this movement with us to ensure the tradition of ballet – although ever evolving, lives on with strong participation from male dancers,” Mrs Weerasinghe said.
The company has established The Boys in Ballet Committee to identify the roadblocks and take action to address the lack of boys in ballet.
As the first initiative of The Ballet Boys Project, Queensland Ballet will offer free weekly classes to boys aged 11-14, at Queensland Ballet (West End) and Queensland Ballet Academy (Kelvin Grove).
“Our hope is that this new initiative will give male students the opportunity to forge new friends, enjoy a safe and encouraging environment and be inspired by other boys and men pursuing their love of dance in our incredible facilities,” Mrs Weerasinghe said.
Head of Academy Operations Gabrielle Johnston said the initiative aimed to remove barriers for boys wanting to take ballet classes by fully subsidising classes at no cost, with no uniform requirements, and no audition required.
“We’ve had boys coming to these classes which are focussed on male-specific ballet technique, from Coffs Harbour, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and even Yeppoon,” Ms Johnston said.
“We aim to foster a unique opportunity to bring together boys who are enjoying ballet in the community sector, sometimes as the only boy in their class and learn from leading professional male teachers.”
Students will enjoy the following benefits:
- forging friendships with other boys who dance
- focusing on male-specific ballet technique
- classes and mentoring by leading professional male teachers
- building a support network of likeminded peers
- dancing in purpose-built, professional dance studios
- enjoying a safe and encouraging environment
- being inspired by witnessing older boys and men pursuing their love of ballet in our facilities
To celebrate the launch, male dancers within the company have spoken about what inspired them to start dancing.
Company Artist Callum Mackie said he didn’t have a sport when he was younger and was inspired after watching his sister at her ballet concert. “I didn’t have a chosen sport, and thought, I could give that a go,” Mr Mackie said. “So, I tried out contemporary, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, classical and kept things rolling from there. I really enjoyed it.”
For Jette Parker Young Artist Joseph Moss, his mother’s dance studio was part of day-to-day life. “I grew up with it around me, and so it inevitably became part of my life,” Mr Moss said.
Company Artist Lewis Formby’s parents were looking for a way to channel their son’s exuberant energy. “I did it because my sisters did it. I’m still here 20 years later,” he said.
Jette Parker Young Artist Jack Jones was literally banging down the door to join the classes when he was just two-and-a-half. “It was just my thing. My friends went to footy or something else and I went to ballet instead,” Mr Jones said.
Students can register for the Ballet Boys classes here.
This year all funds raised at the annual giving day will go towards the Queensland Ballet Academy and to support the next generation of artists. Giving day is hosted on August 8 2024. All donations on the day will be quadrupled, thanks to the generous support of visionary donors.
