Years ago, I worked as a dresser backstage in a provincial theatre. After preparing my principal ready for her next scene, a short ballet sequence with two male dancers, I witnessed the strongest, bravest act I have ever seen. As my principal was lifted onto the shoulders of the two male dancers and they were entering the stage, she accidentally kicked one of them in the groin. It was not a gentle impact. The young dancer completed the entire dance without faltering and when he finally exited the stage he collapsed and had to be carried out of the wings to his dressing room. We stood in the wings and witnessed his strength and professionalism in absolute awe. That single instance changed my perception of male dancers and I hold them in the highest esteem. I will never, ever, forget that performance, or the courage of that young dancer. Strength, dedication, grace and courage is what defines these young men. The arts and our lives would be poorer without them.
wow. It's unbelievable what people are capable of ! To sideline that intense immediate physical pain for a performance is mind-blowing. It's almost supernatural ; beyond the realm of the ordinary, for sure.
What those who have never attempted ballet fail to understand is the athleticism it takes. The art of ballet is making it look effortless which is deceiving. It takes a true athlete in every sense of the word. The most beautiful "sport" in the world.
I'm really surprised that there was no mention of Rudolph Nureyev in this programme. I wonder why? I thought he was the huge turning point that gave a fresh image to male ballet. Muscular, sexy, passionate. Actually the guys here seem to not have a sense of history of the place they-re employed at.
as a trained ballet dancer since my youth, I find it so amusing that men who study and perform ballet are derided, especially in America. Speak to dedicated athletes, almost without exception they will tell you that ballet is a rigorous athletic art form. While in high school, I was asked by the school's football coach to provide his varsity team with weekly barre training. He knew that it would help their game. And the guys, to their credit, caught on right away that these exercises were challenging and they stepped up. people who are trained in athleticism appreciate ballet. And if I may be a bit crude, male ballet dancers are, well, more effective in other areas of their lives and their partners are quite aware of that.
The US has a very insecure relationship with masculinity. Football and guns cover up being truly in touch with one’s masculinity just like expectations about makeup and long hair mask a woman’s true relationship with her femininity.
I marvel at male ballet dancers. Their athleticism, strength, stamina and fortitude is staggering. I doubt that an ordinary bloke with no fitness could last half an hour attempting ballet-they'd collapse very quickly exhausted as a lot of finesse and athletetism is required. Ordinary blokes wouldn't be so negative and sarcastic if they tried ballet! A wonderful video of male ballet. Very inspiring.😅🎉
In 1964 (I was 13) my parents took me to Covent Garden to see Giselle, Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. I was love struck! From then on for 3 years I went to Covent Garden nearly every Saturday pm after school to wait for return tickets to watch Nureyev/Fonteyn. again and again. I saw just about every classical ballet they did and several modern ones (Roland Petit (Paradise Lost) and another one who choreographed The Triumphs, I think it was Maurice Bejart). In my bedroom I had posters of Nureyev, no pop idols! Great to watch this video.
They were the very best ballet couple. Lucky you, indeed! I saw Nureyev dancing when I was seven, and now in my Sixties I'm still amazed, and grateful.
Anyone who takes a single adult ballet class suddenly understands the level of insane strength, agility, and artistry ballet requires. I have seen it many times. I used to bring people I was dating to a class with me just so they’d glean the tiniest bit of what ballet takes, and what it is these guys do. They were humbled even from one little beginner class. We’d watch a ballet an and theyd be absolutely astonished at the pure athleticism. I really liked that they would share the experience with their friends who had no connection to the ballet world, and the idea of male ballet dancers as feminine would in some way be dispelled.
Absolutely fabulous. And yes! We must continue to work hard to make sure "men in tights" is not longer a line that is used to ridicule anyone, but something that refers to athleticism, art and grace. AND that there is not just one way to be masculine and they are ALL OK and worth celebrating.
This male continues to show up in tights because that's the way I was taught and I don't give a shit about offended young females. Fall in line and learn! I'm straight, I dance ballet and I am straight and I am proud as hell of this.
Agreed. I don’t see male or female ballet dancers. I just see ballet dancers. Which must surely say something about gender norms breaking down in the ballet world.
Male ballet dancers have nothing to be ashamed of. I would kill to look as good as they do in a pair of tights and skimpy shirt. Discipline. Strength. Poise. These are fine attributes.
Just wonderfully produced - thank you so very much! If only these twits who think ballet is all tutu's, should be ashamed of themselves! Knowledge gentlemen, is power!!
Both male and female ballet dancers make it look too easy because they do it with grace. What they do takes sheer power. To make it look like you are flying or floating would knock out most other athletes.
Our son did ballet when he was 5 before kindergarten. He was expected to be tall and uncoordinated so we wanted to instill good physical coordination early on. He’s very athletic now he’s in high school. He also sang with the boys choir age 7-8 and he still loves to sing. Music and coordination seemed linked to good educational performance.
Joseph Sissens - IMPRESSIVE INSIGHT and WISDOM, coupled with zealous fire to zap out mediocre people with their mediocre world views impinging on him. Well done. Keep it up Joseph, you rule !
Thank you for this absolutely lovely presentation. And who can forget Baryshnikov’s dancing and jumps, my sister and mother ran into him in an elevator in NYC and couldn’t stop talking about him and his jumps. We all remember him. Amazing. And now we have young Vadim and several others, absolutely gorgeous men. 👏👏
I grew up watching Baryshnikov in the 70s and 80s. He was an international heartthrob and I had a huge crush on him. Later Peter Martins followed in his footsteps.
Valentino is so talented. It’s beyond wrong to see these incredible individuals in a position where they cannot realize their dreams due to the constraints of what the performance “industry” dictates.
Training as the dancers do today, he would be as great a star, present day. In his day, Nureyev enlarged the scope for male dancers and created great interest, his incredible charisma, masculine physicality, his strikingly handsome face, general greatness. He had flaws, but not when he danced. Love the magnificence and perfection of The Royal Ballet. Much enjoyed, Thank You.
I met him once. I was walking through Green Park in London behind a man in shorts , I noticed his sandals. first as they had small heels,, then I took in his muscles . Huge muscles. He was walking so fast he lapped me so I sat on the bench before him. I was reading a book he was also reading. Sat next to me and gestured to the books. We sat and talked for a couple of minutes and he was funny, nteresting and it seemed to me unhappy. He got up and left after a while. Needless to say I felt the need to book a ticket to watch him dance. He was in late in his career. I watched him dance and yes he was brilliant BUT the effort of him dancing was visible and he wobbled a couple of times. He retired from regular dancing roles shortly after that and I wish I had seen him at his prime..
Agree! Absolutely stunning! Amazing athleticism. What beautiful bodies these boys and men have. And the grace….love it. So gorgeous. I am so impressed. I am female and wanted to dance ballet when I was a kid, was told I was too old when I was around 8, but I always had super strong legs very agile and flexible as a young girl teen and beyond. I never cared about the looks or dress, just the music and movements. But we moved and I got no ballet classes. Instead I danced for hours in night clubs and at parties for years. And I went to medical school instead. I’m now almost 66 and still athletic. I’ve sadly injured one both of my knees, one pretty badly limiting how I can move around, but I love the gym and taking group classes. I have excellent stamina and think I could’ve been a good dancer. I certainly never, even now, get out of breath and have a resting pulse in the forties. So watching these young men brings me back to what I originally wanted to go with my knife. I think it was Swan Lake at the Royal ballet in Stockholm, Sweden that inspired me. It’s where I lived as a 6-9 year old and I didn’t care for the simplistic music of the Beatles, no I loved Tchaikovsky and Mozart etc. I still love them and many other classical,composers. Love the music! This documentary didn’t adress the music, but to me it’s paramount to express oneself with the music is such an amazing feeling. As I’m now turning 66 my ballet career would have ended likely 40 years ago or more. Perhaps not have had 3 kids. 🤷♀️
Greek Gods... so true. Ballet dancers don't skip leg day, their entire physique and carriage is amazing. My first crush on an older man was a ballet dancer, he was perfection!
There was an amazing program I’ve been trying to find on watching this, that had a bunch of top grade rugby players have a go at a ballet warm up and exercise class, not a dance rehearsal, just an exercise class and they came away with a huge amount of respect for dancers!
At age 45, Ed Watson gave his final performance as ROH principal in November 2021 as the lead in the Dante Project. He gave a stellar performance. As a dancer, he was not a classical powerhouse dancer, though he performed well in princely roles. But has a unique physicality and rare kinesthetic genius that is unmatched. I'm happy he and ROH choreographer Wayne McGregor found each other, as theirs has been a fortuitous partnership.
This is Awesome ! Have always been a big fan of ballet and had mad respect for the male dancers.. had a poster of Nureyev in my room as a young girl ❤❤❤❤ i am70 😊
In 1979 and 1980 I had the honor and privilege toperform with tge Dutch National ballet, as a young singer, The corps needed four young, thin sopranos to mingle with the corps when they had to sing during the performance. I have never felt such joy and fulfilment since then I've never made fun if people who, to me are so obviously strong, graceful, beautiful doing their thing.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ballet dances are on a par with any other athlete. Just as in football, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and tennis, to be a good athlete, it takes power and control. Each has its own aesthetic as well.
The required musicality adds dimensions of skill not developed in sports training. Ballet is the hardest to accomplish at the highest level, but it is for anyone, at any age, the ballet experience infuses life with joy and enhances self-awareness and all that other good stuff. I credit ballet with helping me develop focus and resilience, and much more.
You are exactly what you are meant to be, not odd at all. That is a construct created by some people, not a human truth. I admire dancers, congratulations!
I think Valentino Zucchetti is a delightful dancer, whose grace, precision, and charm is evident in his work. I look forward to seeing his choreographed works, and hope ROH offers him more opportunities to showcase his talents.
Diana would have been thrilled that her grandson George wanted to dance ballet. She'd probably have taken him to class. Coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, expression, good posture, and grace are all good in life no matter where or how you get it.
Absolutamente maravilloso y perfecto en su dirección, producción y edición, música, etc. Etc. BRAVOO!!! Un sólo alcance, si NUREYEV existiera hoy, hubiera entrenado desde los 6 años con todo el apoyo afectivo, económico y en libertad, sin q asesinos lo estuvieran acosando, les aseguro q SI sería el mejor del mundo!! Lo amaremos SIEMPRE! Muchas gracias ❤
What a great show. As a for,er professional (Female) ballet dancer, I have always admired the men and the talent, athleticism and artistry it takes to succeed in ballet. Amazing all the recent comments and that this is just showing up for me. ❤️
I watched the whole video, and I have to say that I am quite intrigued with men taking initiative to fight against the stereotypes and challenges. I am really proud of them!
I am straight, I love ballet and to hell with anything else. If younger girls can't stand me in tights then that's on them. I don't give a shit. Get off the stage!
It is interesting, there were two movies about ballet in year 2000. British Bill Elliott, set in 80's, stereotyp, boys don't do ballet, (but very beautiful,) and USA Center stage, where principal is almost rockstar. Everybody who makes living dancing has my deep respect.
I was fortunate to see the Royal Danish Ballet many years ago in New York. I was blown away by the athleticism of this predominately male ballet troupe as they danced many different stories, quite a few of them military in theme and story. I have never made the slightest suggestion that they are anything but very, very manly.
Johaar Mosaval a South African ballet dancer, last performance with the Royal Ballet, as a senior principal dancer. danced the role of the Blue Bird pas a de deux with solo at age 48 in 1974. He retired from The Royal Ballet in 1975.
If you ever saw Rudi Nureyev or Mikhail Baryshnikov dance, you would see very strong athletic movements and incredible high jumps that only years of exercise and dancing could produce. Great body building exercise for Prince George and all children. Lara Spencer should be ashamed to pick on children.
Funny story from back in the day when I was at the San Francisco Ballet school in the 60s. Nureyev had arrived in town and of course everybody was going to go see him. Imagine our surprise next day when we show up for class and the story spread like wildfire. One of our beloved teachers Madame Liudmila Shollar, who had danced at Diaghilev (with her partner Anatole Vilzak) had been at the performance. She apparently went backstage and shook her finger at Rudi. Told him he needed to clean up his pirouettes or he was going to fall on his ass. 😂
Wonderful program. Male dancers deserve so much respect and I think finally they are beginning to get it. To know ballet is to know the hard work and effort that goes into the body to make it able to perform. The pain and suffering both emotional and physical takes a special kind of strength in those who dance. I take my hat off to each and every one of them, they are all stars no matter where they are in the pecking order of the company.
I am male and straight as hell and I absolutely love Ballet. I wear tights and to the girls who are half my age I say "deal with it." If you can take me on and outdance me then bring it on otherwise shut the f*ck up. I am so sick and tired of this feminine narcissism in dance.
It is ridiculous to hear “this is a job for a man in the 21st century”. It has always been a man’s job. For instance the Soviet Union brought the male performance on par with ballerinas already in the 1950s. The male dancers as “those who hold ballerinas” were no more. The Spartacus is the epitome of this.
I miss seeing Steven McRae dance, as his dancing is marked by speed, precision, and charm. I admire his work ethic and steely determination to address his untimely injuries straight on, never hesitating to get the best care for his physical and mental rehabilitation. As shown in the film, the love he has for his beautiful wife and children is a comfort and a motivator in his life.
Aren’t these men balancing on the shoulders of Edward Villella, Erik Bruhn, Peter Martins, Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, Carlos Acosta, Roberto Bolle, Alvin Ailey, Jacques d’Amboise, Arthur Mitchell, Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Fokin, Nijinsky and many, many others?
I was fortunate enough to see Edward Villella (who had formerly lettered in baseball and been a championship boxer) dance with the NYC Ballet many years ago. Spectacular! I remember, too when Lynn Swann an NFL wide receiver with the Pittsburg Steelers, took ballet to help home be a better footballer. Never thought ballet for men was effeminate.
Wonderful documentary, I took ballet a short time with Maria who's family lived near Lake ERIE OHIO, I wish I could have continued....but anwayin Florida mostly since I 13 yrs. Old, life problems have led me in all kinds of different directions 😢thank you for lovely informative documentary on men doing ballet, I have fond memories of childhood doing ballet just short time, taught me to discipline myself. ❤ self care most important but so is self motivation in all things. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU IN VIDEO, GOD BLESS. DO THIS WHILE YOUR YOUNG TO THE FULLEST !!!🎉
Sharon here: If you equate the male ballet dancer with a Scottish highland warrior, the Scots had to prove their worthiness by the requirements of highland dancing. Male strength coupled with grace and elegance of movement is fascinating to look upon.
People who criticise male dancers have no idea what athletes they are. Not only do they have supreme strength and grace, they are also artists in their own right. Where would ballet be without them?
what a fabulous celebration of the wonderful atheletes and performers that these dancers are - surely there are few people more talented - combining incredible physical ability with glorious artistry and storytelling 😃
I grew up watching Nureyev and Barishnikov. I am really glad male ballet dancers are getting popular again. I used to be glued to the tv when the greats of my day danced. Also, when I was growing up, football players took ballet for agility and strength.
The narrator is absolutely right, ballet dancers are like Olympian gods. Nowadays I see countless men in tights, running, cycling, working out in the gym. I do believe the "stigma" has remained only in the most ignorant and narrow minds.
I have a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon. At one point he attended the injuries of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Pittsburgh Ballet. He said the football players wanted to be sidelined with minor injuries and were whiners whereas the ballet dancers often had serious injuries and simply wanted to be taped up sp they could continue to perform...
At 34:15....I attended Jaqueline Dupre's final concert. She wore a flaming red gown, her long hair flying about as she almost attacked her cello. Her untimely death due to MS was very, very sad and unforgettable.
❤️❤️❤️ endlich !! das war wohl höchste zeit für diese wunderbare dokumentation ! nur schade, dass menschen die immer noch mit diesen vorurteilen behaftet sind, sich die doku nicht anschauen….tänzer, immer noch und immer wieder einer der schönsten berufe überhaupt !!
As a male I say "you want to take me on b*tch!" Take your chances because this fifty year old will smoke your A$$ every time! Bring it. I'm straight, a Ballet Dancer and proud as hell.
Loved watching this, learned a lot. I'll never be a Ballet Dancer. But have more appreciation of the hard work that goes with being a Ballet Dancer. Thanks for posting.
The intersection of athleticism and grace is epitomized in ballet. Seeing the tremendous leaps that male dancers can do and the precision of the end of the movements....there's nothing that rivals this.
I love ballet. It is artistic, I love figure skating for same reason. My exhusband did some ballet. These people usually marry or have a partner who support them, and who also love the Arts.
Well, why do they want to deny that there are a lot of gay men in ballet. There are heterosexual dancers, gay dancers, bisexual dancers, etc. Who cares whom they sleep with? The only important thing is that they dance well, not if they are gay or not.
Wonderful video. Love watching the men-the strength, power, artistry. When they leap, it looks as if they remain in the air for a couple seconds. When I was young, I was embarrassed to watch them-but they grew on me. Didn’t know until very recently re: the need for ballet-specific supportive, protective undergarments-yet this is comparable to items worn by male athletes in many other sports.
She owes an apology to Prince George as well. Bullying a child is worse than vile.
My husband took ballet in college. He is very manly, and very graceful. He plays tennis and baseball. Ballet gave him strength.
Lots of athletes take ballet. It strengthens muscles and improves control. Lots of benefit to this very athletic endeavour.
Flexibility, agility, body control, body awareness, and it is fun.
Years ago, I worked as a dresser backstage in a provincial theatre. After preparing my principal ready for her next scene, a short ballet sequence with two male dancers, I witnessed the strongest, bravest act I have ever seen.
As my principal was lifted onto the shoulders of the two male dancers and they were entering the stage, she accidentally kicked one of them in the groin. It was not a gentle impact. The young dancer completed the entire dance without faltering and when he finally exited the stage he collapsed and had to be carried out of the wings to his dressing room.
We stood in the wings and witnessed his strength and professionalism in absolute awe. That single instance changed my perception of male dancers and I hold them in the highest esteem.
I will never, ever, forget that performance, or the courage of that young dancer. Strength, dedication, grace and courage is what defines these young men. The arts and our lives would be poorer without them.
wow. It's unbelievable what people are capable of ! To sideline that intense immediate physical pain for a performance is mind-blowing. It's almost supernatural ; beyond the realm of the ordinary, for sure.
That is amazing and I really feel for the guy.
That was the original performance of the Nutcracker!
@@DrGarri 🤣🤣🤣 I hate to laugh at his almost unendurable pain, but: NICE one, Dr. @Garri!
Without male ballet dancers ,no ballet production would be complete. They are as essential to ballet as the air we breathe .
Men in tights are more than strength, more than athleticism, more than creativity, they are phenomenal.
Well said!
Nothing is more beautiful to my eye than a male ballet dancer in flight.
The algorithm showed me this even though I’m not interested in ballet, but I watched it and I support any man who wants to be a ballet dancer.
Very sweet.
What those who have never attempted ballet fail to understand is the athleticism it takes. The art of ballet is making it look effortless which is deceiving. It takes a true athlete in every sense of the word. The most beautiful "sport" in the world.
Every man or wonan for that matter should hope to be that athletic. These athletes bring so much joy to the rest of us
I think the stigma started to fade with Mikhail Baryshnikov. He was astounding!
Yes! And how great it is that there is so much of his work available on RUclips.
Baryshnikov was amazing and he loved the women which helped change the idea that all male dancers were gay.
I'm really surprised that there was no mention of Rudolph Nureyev in this programme. I wonder why? I thought he was the huge turning point that gave a fresh image to male ballet. Muscular, sexy, passionate. Actually the guys here seem to not have a sense of history of the place they-re employed at.
Do you know about Najinsky?
Amyway, Nureyev is mentioned , seen and he speaks.
Glad that ballet is still alive and kicking with such inspiring dancers.
as a trained ballet dancer since my youth, I find it so amusing that men who study and perform ballet are derided, especially in America. Speak to dedicated athletes, almost without exception they will tell you that ballet is a rigorous athletic art form. While in high school, I was asked by the school's football coach to provide his varsity team with weekly barre training. He knew that it would help their game. And the guys, to their credit, caught on right away that these exercises were challenging and they stepped up. people who are trained in athleticism appreciate ballet. And if I may be a bit crude, male ballet dancers are, well, more effective in other areas of their lives and their partners are quite aware of that.
The US has a very insecure relationship with masculinity. Football and guns cover up being truly in touch with one’s masculinity just like expectations about makeup and long hair mask a woman’s true relationship with her femininity.
Amen!
The strongest athletes are really ballett dancers. I truly believe that even their toes are muscled.
I love all the men who came out in support of prince George in times square.
I marvel at male ballet dancers.
Their athleticism, strength, stamina and fortitude is staggering.
I doubt that an ordinary bloke with no fitness could last half an hour attempting ballet-they'd collapse very quickly exhausted as a lot of finesse and athletetism is required.
Ordinary blokes wouldn't be so negative and sarcastic if they tried ballet!
A wonderful video of male ballet.
Very inspiring.😅🎉
In 1964 (I was 13) my parents took me to Covent Garden to see Giselle, Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. I was love struck! From then on for 3 years I went to Covent Garden nearly every Saturday pm after school to wait for return tickets to watch Nureyev/Fonteyn. again and again. I saw just about every classical ballet they did and several modern ones (Roland Petit (Paradise Lost) and another one who choreographed The Triumphs, I think it was Maurice Bejart). In my bedroom I had posters of Nureyev, no pop idols! Great to watch this video.
You saw them at their peak, what a gift to yourself.
They were the very best ballet couple. Lucky you, indeed! I saw Nureyev dancing when I was seven, and now in my Sixties I'm still amazed, and grateful.
Anyone who takes a single adult ballet class suddenly understands the level of insane strength, agility, and artistry ballet requires. I have seen it many times. I used to bring people I was dating to a class with me just so they’d glean the tiniest bit of what ballet takes, and what it is these guys do. They were humbled even from one little beginner class. We’d watch a ballet an and theyd be absolutely astonished at the pure athleticism. I really liked that they would share the experience with their friends who had no connection to the ballet world, and the idea of male ballet dancers as feminine would in some way be dispelled.
Absolutely fabulous. And yes! We must continue to work hard to make sure "men in tights" is not longer a line that is used to ridicule anyone, but something that refers to athleticism, art and grace. AND that there is not just one way to be masculine and they are ALL OK and worth celebrating.
very well said!
This male continues to show up in tights because that's the way I was taught and I don't give a shit about offended young females. Fall in line and learn! I'm straight, I dance ballet and I am straight and I am proud as hell of this.
❤❤@@gregj831
Agreed. I don’t see male or female ballet dancers. I just see ballet dancers. Which must surely say something about gender norms breaking down in the ballet world.
.mn
Male ballet dancers have nothing to be ashamed of. I would kill to look as good as they do in a pair of tights and skimpy shirt. Discipline. Strength. Poise. These are fine attributes.
Just wonderfully produced - thank you so very much! If only these twits who think ballet is all tutu's, should be ashamed of themselves! Knowledge gentlemen, is power!!
Male dancers are stunning, I was always a big fan of Baryshnikov.
Big time !!! 😀
Me too and Rudolph Nuryeve. sp.
Who wasn’t?
@@stalagnightI totally agree.i was fortunate to see them live .fantasti
Both male and female ballet dancers make it look too easy because they do it with grace. What they do takes sheer power. To make it look like you are flying or floating would knock out most other athletes.
Anyone who is at the top of their game makes it look easy.
The Beatles made their music look easy.
Our son did ballet when he was 5 before kindergarten. He was expected to be tall and uncoordinated so we wanted to instill good physical coordination early on. He’s very athletic now he’s in high school. He also sang with the boys choir age 7-8 and he still loves to sing. Music and coordination seemed linked to good educational performance.
Music and coordination are also linked to personal development, focus, growth, joy and personal expression, all of which are all of great importance.
Joseph Sissens - IMPRESSIVE INSIGHT and WISDOM, coupled with zealous fire to zap out mediocre people with their mediocre world views impinging on him. Well done. Keep it up Joseph, you rule !
The Algobots are doing well for me lately and I thank them. This was pure joy.
I love man-dancers. They have this mix of power and strength and a wonderful ability to stay in the air.
Thank you for this absolutely lovely presentation. And who can forget Baryshnikov’s dancing and jumps, my sister and mother ran into him in an elevator in NYC and couldn’t stop talking about him and his jumps. We all remember him. Amazing. And now we have young Vadim and several others, absolutely gorgeous men. 👏👏
I grew up watching Baryshnikov in the 70s and 80s. He was an international heartthrob and I had a huge crush on him. Later Peter Martins followed in his footsteps.
Valentino is so talented.
It’s beyond wrong to see these incredible individuals in a position where they cannot realize their dreams due to the constraints of what the performance “industry” dictates.
Training as the dancers do today, he would be as great a star, present day. In his day, Nureyev enlarged the scope for male dancers and created great interest, his incredible charisma, masculine physicality, his strikingly handsome face, general greatness. He had flaws, but not when he danced. Love the magnificence and perfection of The Royal Ballet. Much enjoyed, Thank You.
I met him once. I was walking through Green Park in London behind a man in shorts , I noticed his sandals. first as they had small heels,, then I took in his muscles . Huge muscles. He was walking so fast he lapped me so I sat on the bench before him. I was reading a book he was also reading. Sat next to me and gestured to the books. We sat and talked for a couple of minutes and he was funny, nteresting and it seemed to me unhappy. He got up and left after a while. Needless to say I felt the need to book a ticket to watch him dance. He was in late in his career. I watched him dance and yes he was brilliant BUT the effort of him dancing was visible and he wobbled a couple of times. He retired from regular dancing roles shortly after that and I wish I had seen him at his prime..
Ballet dancers are the fittest of all, and graceful to boot. Glorious. Thanks heaps for sharing .
Agree! Absolutely stunning! Amazing athleticism. What beautiful bodies these boys and men have. And the grace….love it. So gorgeous. I am so impressed. I am female and wanted to dance ballet when I was a kid, was told I was too old when I was around 8, but I always had super strong legs very agile and flexible as a young girl teen and beyond. I never cared about the looks or dress, just the music and movements. But we moved and I got no ballet classes. Instead I danced for hours in night clubs and at parties for years. And I went to medical school instead. I’m now almost 66 and still athletic. I’ve sadly injured one both of my knees, one pretty badly limiting how I can move around, but I love the gym and taking group classes. I have excellent stamina and think I could’ve been a good dancer. I certainly never, even now, get out of breath and have a resting pulse in the forties. So watching these young men brings me back to what I originally wanted to go with my knife. I think it was Swan Lake at the Royal ballet in Stockholm, Sweden that inspired me. It’s where I lived as a 6-9 year old and I didn’t care for the simplistic music of the Beatles, no I loved Tchaikovsky and Mozart etc. I still love them and many other classical,composers.
Love the music! This documentary didn’t adress the music, but to me it’s paramount to express oneself with the music is such an amazing feeling. As I’m now turning 66 my ballet career would have ended likely 40 years ago or more. Perhaps not have had 3 kids. 🤷♀️
Greek Gods... so true. Ballet dancers don't skip leg day, their entire physique and carriage is amazing. My first crush on an older man was a ballet dancer, he was perfection!
Valentino has produced some wonderful choreography already, so expressive of the music. Hope he is given more scope in the future ,
This was beautiful!
Ballet is super cool! ✨💫🌟⭐️
Wonderfully informative and entertaining. More of this sort of documentaries please.
I think of grace, movement, making the impossible, possible. Awe inspiring. I married a ballet dancer!
A lovely film, talented, hard-working young men! ❤
There was an amazing program I’ve been trying to find on watching this, that had a bunch of top grade rugby players have a go at a ballet warm up and exercise class, not a dance rehearsal, just an exercise class and they came away with a huge amount of respect for dancers!
There was a scene in Fame where the New York Giants came to the school to exercise with the ballet dancers
Fantastic production ... thank you so very much
Male ballet dancers are beautiful 😍 especially in their rehearsal gear.
At age 45, Ed Watson gave his final performance as ROH principal in November 2021 as the lead in the Dante Project. He gave a stellar performance. As a dancer, he was not a classical powerhouse dancer, though he performed well in princely roles. But has a unique physicality and rare kinesthetic genius that is unmatched. I'm happy he and ROH choreographer Wayne McGregor found each other, as theirs has been a fortuitous partnership.
He's a hero to those of us who are men and over 45. We still believe we can do it and only injury will stop us from our passion.
Yes, very well said. But we knew of him here state-side as well and loved him.
This is Awesome ! Have always been a big fan of ballet and had mad respect for the male dancers.. had a poster of Nureyev in my room as a young girl ❤❤❤❤ i am70 😊
In 1979 and 1980 I had the honor and privilege toperform with tge Dutch National ballet, as a young singer, The corps needed four young, thin sopranos to mingle with the corps when they had to sing during the performance. I have never felt such joy and fulfilment since then I've never made fun if people who, to me are so obviously strong, graceful, beautiful doing their thing.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ballet dances are on a par with any other athlete. Just as in football, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and tennis, to be a good athlete, it takes power and control. Each has its own aesthetic as well.
The required musicality adds dimensions of skill not developed in sports training. Ballet is the hardest to accomplish at the highest level, but it is for anyone, at any age, the ballet experience infuses life with joy and enhances self-awareness and all that other good stuff. I credit ballet with helping me develop focus and resilience, and much more.
I love how well spoken everyone is. I'm a ballet dancer but my father was a football player & loved sports. I was also the odd one out in my family.
You are exactly what you are meant to be, not odd at all. That is a construct created by some people, not a human truth. I admire dancers, congratulations!
What does being well spoken have to do with anything?
I think Valentino Zucchetti is a delightful dancer, whose grace, precision, and charm is evident in his work. I look forward to seeing his choreographed works, and hope ROH offers him more opportunities to showcase his talents.
Diana would have been thrilled that her grandson George wanted to dance ballet. She'd probably have taken him to class. Coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, body awareness, expression, good posture, and grace are all good in life no matter where or how you get it.
I love ballet, always have. I love watching it. The men are stunning to watch. So athletic and strong.
The most brilliant video on ballet and its dances ………with their own feelings……. Bravo 💕💕💕💕
Ballet, when it gets in your blood never leaves. Precise movement, when accomplished, is a work of art and a gift from God
Fantastic program. I'm constantly impressed by the male dancers when I attend the ballet, and marvel at thier strength and agility. Wow.
Absolutamente maravilloso y perfecto en su dirección, producción y edición, música, etc. Etc. BRAVOO!!!
Un sólo alcance, si NUREYEV existiera hoy, hubiera entrenado desde los 6 años con todo el apoyo afectivo, económico y en libertad, sin q asesinos lo estuvieran acosando, les aseguro q SI sería el mejor del mundo!! Lo amaremos SIEMPRE!
Muchas gracias ❤
What a great show. As a for,er professional (Female) ballet dancer, I have always admired the men and the talent, athleticism and artistry it takes to succeed in ballet. Amazing all the recent comments and that this is just showing up for me. ❤️
I watched the whole video, and I have to say that I am quite intrigued with men taking initiative to fight against the stereotypes and challenges. I am really proud of them!
I am straight, I love ballet and to hell with anything else. If younger girls can't stand me in tights then that's on them. I don't give a shit. Get off the stage!
This is the time for the Male Ballet Dancer, he is the Star coming from behind the Ballerina to the fore. Dancer Noble.
What wonderful men......in so many ways.😊
Excellent look inside the world of young men in the Royal Ballet today.
Ballet as male is wonderful , strong talented, impressive. I was biggest fan of male dancers !! We would so miss them.
It is interesting, there were two movies about ballet in year 2000. British Bill Elliott, set in 80's, stereotyp, boys don't do ballet, (but very beautiful,) and USA Center stage, where principal is almost rockstar. Everybody who makes living dancing has my deep respect.
I was fortunate to see the Royal Danish Ballet many years ago in New York. I was blown away by the athleticism of this predominately male ballet troupe as they danced many different stories, quite a few of them military in theme and story. I have never made the slightest suggestion that they are anything but very, very manly.
Being a male ballet dancer takes enormous strength. Very athletic!!
Johaar Mosaval a South African ballet dancer, last performance with the Royal Ballet, as a senior principal dancer. danced the role of the Blue Bird pas a de deux with solo at age 48 in 1974. He retired from The Royal Ballet in 1975.
If you ever saw Rudi Nureyev or Mikhail Baryshnikov dance, you would see very strong athletic movements and incredible high jumps that only years of exercise and dancing could produce. Great body building exercise for Prince George and all children. Lara Spencer should be ashamed to pick on children.
Funny story from back in the day when I was at the San Francisco Ballet school in the 60s. Nureyev had arrived in town and of course everybody was going to go see him. Imagine our surprise next day when we show up for class and the story spread like wildfire. One of our beloved teachers Madame Liudmila Shollar, who had danced at Diaghilev (with her partner Anatole Vilzak) had been at the performance. She apparently went backstage and shook her finger at Rudi. Told him he needed to clean up his pirouettes or he was going to fall on his ass. 😂
The discipline, the discipline, the discipline - I think it's even more in ballet than martial arts.
Wonderful program. Male dancers deserve so much respect and I think finally they are beginning to get it. To know ballet is to know the hard work and effort that goes into the body to make it able to perform. The pain and suffering both emotional and physical takes a special kind of strength in those who dance. I take my hat off to each and every one of them, they are all stars no matter where they are in the pecking order of the company.
I am male and straight as hell and I absolutely love Ballet. I wear tights and to the girls who are half my age I say "deal with it." If you can take me on and outdance me then bring it on otherwise shut the f*ck up. I am so sick and tired of this feminine narcissism in dance.
It is ridiculous to hear “this is a job for a man in the 21st century”. It has always been a man’s job. For instance the Soviet Union brought the male performance on par with ballerinas already in the 1950s. The male dancers as “those who hold ballerinas” were no more. The Spartacus is the epitome of this.
A beautiful video, thank you. Men in ballet really do need to be in the spotlight more.
I miss seeing Steven McRae dance, as his dancing is marked by speed, precision, and charm. I admire his work ethic and steely determination to address his untimely injuries straight on, never hesitating to get the best care for his physical and mental rehabilitation. As shown in the film, the love he has for his beautiful wife and children is a comfort and a motivator in his life.
He's now back performing at the Royal Opera House - he was incredible in Swan Lake this week
Love him. 🇦🇺
Steven McRae is an Alpha Male dancer! He’s a fantastic beast!
Aren’t these men balancing on the shoulders of Edward Villella, Erik Bruhn, Peter Martins, Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alexander Godunov, Carlos Acosta, Roberto Bolle, Alvin Ailey, Jacques d’Amboise, Arthur Mitchell, Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Fokin, Nijinsky and many, many others?
@@timothysmith7888: What is past, is prologue. Always.
Obviously the men have great bodies and they are very athletic and this profession takes such discipline.
Male ballet dancers are astonishing ! Always have been…
Takes a lot of strength and talent.
A fantastic,eye opening report🙏👏
I was fortunate enough to see Edward Villella (who had formerly lettered in baseball and been a championship boxer) dance with the NYC Ballet many years ago. Spectacular! I remember, too when Lynn Swann an NFL wide receiver with the Pittsburg Steelers, took ballet to help home be a better footballer. Never thought ballet for men was effeminate.
Wonderful documentary, I took ballet a short time with Maria who's family lived near Lake ERIE OHIO, I wish I could have continued....but anwayin Florida mostly since I 13 yrs. Old, life problems have led me in all kinds of different directions 😢thank you for lovely informative documentary on men doing ballet, I have fond memories of childhood doing ballet just short time, taught me to discipline myself. ❤ self care most important but so is self motivation in all things. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU IN VIDEO, GOD BLESS. DO THIS WHILE YOUR YOUNG TO THE FULLEST !!!🎉
I love the ‘little bit of Muffin top’ not an inch!
Sharon here: If you equate the male ballet dancer with a Scottish highland warrior, the Scots had to prove their worthiness by the requirements of highland dancing. Male strength coupled with grace and elegance of movement is fascinating to look upon.
What they do is amazing. I am deeply impressed by anyone who can train their body to do such incredible acts of strength and beauty.
The Royal Ballet is not only (in my opinion) the world's greatest company, it seems to be the happiest as well.
Strong,well honed muscle.
Brilliant.....aesthetically beautiful.
People who criticise male dancers have no idea what athletes they are. Not only do they have supreme strength and grace, they are also artists in their own right. Where would ballet be without them?
what a fabulous celebration of the wonderful atheletes and performers that these dancers are - surely there are few people more talented - combining incredible physical ability with glorious artistry and storytelling 😃
I grew up watching Nureyev and Barishnikov. I am really glad male ballet dancers are getting popular again. I used to be glued to the tv when the greats of my day danced. Also, when I was growing up, football players took ballet for agility and strength.
The narrator is absolutely right, ballet dancers are like Olympian gods. Nowadays I see countless men in tights, running, cycling, working out in the gym. I do believe the "stigma" has remained only in the most ignorant and narrow minds.
Beautiful documentary!
It’s outrageous that she should have criticised Prince George, but she should be commended for having the grace to apologise.
One of those things you realize you have to do to save your career. Would she have apologized to a regular kid in her local school group?
She’s American and wears fake nails
I didn't pick up what the "Prince George' thing was about. Can someone enlighten me please? :-)
Oh I think it’s a beautiful sport!
fantastic dancers and actors, thank you for the emotions you gave me, best wishes from LITHUANIA
I have a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon. At one point he attended the injuries of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Pittsburgh Ballet. He said the football players wanted to be sidelined with minor injuries and were whiners whereas the ballet dancers often had serious injuries and simply wanted to be taped up sp they could continue to perform...
At 34:15....I attended Jaqueline Dupre's final concert. She wore a flaming red gown, her long hair flying about as she almost attacked her cello. Her untimely death due to MS was very, very sad and unforgettable.
Wow! So good, I've been wanting to see this for a long time, and I'm glad I found it when looking for World Ballet Day 21. Thanks, men in tights!
Powerful Documentary
Thank You 😊
❤️❤️❤️ endlich !! das war wohl höchste zeit für diese wunderbare dokumentation ! nur schade, dass menschen die immer noch mit diesen vorurteilen behaftet sind, sich die doku nicht anschauen….tänzer, immer noch und immer wieder einer der schönsten berufe überhaupt !!
thank you very much for sharing it! I certainly love those men on tights. They all have my respect and admiration.
As a male I say "you want to take me on b*tch!" Take your chances because this fifty year old will smoke your A$$ every time! Bring it. I'm straight, a Ballet Dancer and proud as hell.
Joe Namath took ballet to improve his agility on the football field.
And ballet makes the males body perfect!
Loved watching this, learned a lot. I'll never be a Ballet Dancer. But have more appreciation of the hard work that goes with being a Ballet Dancer. Thanks for posting.
These dancers are superb elite athletes. 💚
The intersection of athleticism and grace is epitomized in ballet. Seeing the tremendous leaps that male dancers can do and the precision of the end of the movements....there's nothing that rivals this.
I love ballet. It is artistic, I love figure skating for same reason. My exhusband did some ballet. These people usually marry or have a partner who support them, and who also love the Arts.
T takes great physical strength to be a male ballet dancer completely against the somewhat fey stereotype 🤗🌼🌸🤗🌼 x
Well, why do they want to deny that there are a lot of gay men in ballet. There are heterosexual dancers, gay dancers, bisexual dancers, etc. Who cares whom they sleep with? The only important thing is that they dance well, not if they are gay or not.
Wonderful video. Love watching the men-the strength, power, artistry. When they leap, it looks as if they remain in the air for a couple seconds. When I was young, I was embarrassed to watch them-but they grew on me. Didn’t know until very recently re: the need for ballet-specific supportive, protective undergarments-yet this is comparable to items worn by male athletes in many other sports.