Quite a stretch: The hard work behind ballet

Colette Caruana

Aug 5th 2010, 12:59

@Joe Xuereb:
I would just like to point out, what type of physical exertion does NOT have health risks? you can end up in a wheelchair as a result of jogging as that puts a large strain on your knees, so why should ballet be a problem?? Are you suggesting that no one should be physically active as it carries a health risk?
In addition, the narcissistic lifestyle you are suggesting simply does not exist in Malta, if you want to try and find it you would have to go abroad and try to join a company. And even there, i think you are quite mistaken, not everyone is horrible. Of course there are many narcissistic people in companies but again, you would find that in any type of sport which has an element of competition in it. And it is also not true that having babies is an impossibility. Many prima ballerinas get married and have children. During or after their carreers.
So if all this is true of ballet, I can assure you that it is true of other styles of dancing(besides any discipline of sports), so are you suggesting that we should simply stop dancing?

Rosalie Micallef

Jul 30th 2010, 11:36

for tickets log onto www.oliviadow.com

cant wait for the next performance on Sunday. good luck everyone

Joe Xuereb

Jul 30th 2010, 11:12

Many young girls are taken to the ballet and they think, I want to be like that. What could be more beguiling to a young girl. Those beautiful delicate-looking creatures seemingly floating across a vast stage. But wait a minute. A balletic career comes with a huge tag. It needs brains - concentration, coordination of mind and body, musicality, formidable memory. It's a short career, no time out for having babies. Then there's the stamina required, worthy of ten footballers. The constant straining, the twisting of body parts that cannot take it (especially round the hips). No wonder many end up in wheelchairs. Few make it. Ballet training should come with a health warning. Anorexia is rife. It looks glam and rewarding. All that adulation and huge bouquets of flowers. But the price one pays. Plus it's a narcissistic career choice. A young girl is not likely to meet a potential husband from among the troupe. He too is too much into himself to bother much with anything other than his girations.
Important. Young girls are impatient to go on pointe. They must not be allowed. They'll end up with permanent malformations of their bones.

Petra Galea Debono

Jul 30th 2010, 08:56

How much do tickets cost? Where can we buy tickets from and what time does the show start?

Gilbert Spiteri

Jul 29th 2010, 18:13

Well done Ilona and Martina :) keep it up :)