A ROYAL DANCE
Is the ballet world as cut-throat and competitive as suggested by films such as ‘Swan Lake’?
When I watch , I have to remember it is a film. It is not a documentary. It is a thriller by a talented director. I think that’s why audiences are drawn in. But in reality, ballet is no more competitive than other professions or fields in art. The film is a manufactured drama. It’s what people want to believe about ballet dancers, but it’s not accurate. Ballet is competitive, because ultimately you’re wanting to achieve something, whatever your burning desire might be, but you also need to step back and watch other people have success too. In that way you can draw a lot from it - but it comes back to you when it is your moment. You have a richer experience. There will always be someone doing more turns, someone more musical, there will always
