In the Oct. 29 article "Point Park Denies Existence of 'Fat List' for Dancers," Assistant Professor Peter Merz is attributed with noting two issues related to this list, "physical conditioning and aesthetics." The two issues are not related.
Proper physical conditioning is a given. Ballet is an incredibly demanding athletic endeavor which requires constant strength, aerobic and flexibility training. Aesthetics, however, is in the eye of the beholder. Much too commonly, and with often devastating health repercussions, ballerinas try to attain a body "aesthetic" that is simply too thin.
I'm pleased that our city is host to a talented professional ballet company that values the aesthetic of the dance technique over the aesthetic of individual dancers' bodies. Rather than presenting a homogeneous corps de ballet, Bodiography Contemporary Ballet aims to present uplifting ballet enlightened by the physicality, style and passion of each unique company member.
Under the directorship of Maria Caruso, Bodiography and its associated dance conservatory, Bodiography Center for Movement in Squirrel Hill, are trying to revolutionize the way the dance world and the public view and learn ballet, not as an art form for over-thin dancers, but as an artistic outlet for educated and physically conditioned athletes creating beauty together.
It is past time for the ballet world to stop encouraging young girls toward eating disorders in order for them to pursue a passion for dance. Bodiography provides a beautiful alternative.
CATHY ROHRER
Chair, Board of Directors
Bodiography Contemporary Ballet
Squirrel Hill
Posted
Nov 04 2009, 05:00 AM
by
Susan Mannella