In Singapore, ballet is generally seen as a feminine preoccupation but male ballet dancers aren’t as uncommon as you think
By Cheryl Chia
When you think of ballet, what most likely comes to mind is a slender female wearing a leotard and tutu while going en pointe.
Or, you might think of incredible flexibility and balance. But, again, you would most likely have pictured a woman.
However, men have been in the world of ballet for as long as women have and it is time we gave them the recognition they deserve.
Ballet for Men Too
The Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) has scholar programmes for talented individuals with a passion for ballet. Lee Wai Hong is one of two male students in the programme.
“I started ballet when I was 14 years old after watching the film Mao’s Last Dancer. It was very inspiring and, from then on, I knew that this was what I wanted to do,” says Wai Hong.
“Don’t think that ballet is just for girls!” he exclaims.
French-born Etienne Ferrère, a professional dancer with the SDT, arrived in Singapore in 2010 and recently starred in their gala showcase.
He says, “There are plenty of boys around the world (taking ballet), then and now… but it is very rare in Singapore. Perhaps the number of male dancers will slowly increase over the years.”
Culture and Tradition
Etienne adds, “I think ballet has been part of the culture of Europe and Russia for very long time, especially since it originated from those countries. The school where I trained at, Paris Opera Ballet School, is celebrating their 300th anniversary this year! So, in comparison, ballet in Singapore is pretty young, and the audience still has a lot to discover.”
Both Etienne and Wai Hong feel that the misconception of ballet as a feminine genre is a misplaced perception.
“I don’t think ballet is seen as a feminine thing. But I think many people perceive it to be something easy – that’s why many young passionate individuals don’t make it to a professional standard,” says Etienne.
“It also teaches us to build body and mental strength. This is priceless,” he says.
Demanding Yet Rewarding
Wai Hong also describes a typical physically demanding ballet lesson.
“In a typical ballet class, we start at the barre and slowly progress to do pirouettes, and then the grand allegro, a part of class where all the fast moves are, including grand jetés – split jumps,” says Wai Hong.
“It is rather enriching to have different teachers every day as we are exposed to various styles and we receive many valuable corrections,” he adds.
For Etienne, choosing ballet is the best choice he has made.
“I’m happy to go to work every morning because I love what I do. I work hard every day to improve myself each time I step on stage. Performing is the best part as all your hard work is channelled to that point,” says Etienne.
“To parents and children out there, yes! It is definitely possible to make a living out of being a ballet dancer!” he emphasises.
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