Kendall Just Lowered the Barre - A Dancer's Thoughts on Spanish Vogue
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Kendall Just Lowered the Barre - A Dancer's Thoughts on Spanish Vogue

It took both Kendall Jenner and Spanish Vogue just 64 seconds to epitomize the public's poor image of our fine art.

323
Kendall Just Lowered the Barre - A Dancer's Thoughts on Spanish Vogue
fashiongonerogue.com

"Ballerina yesterday, engineer today". Us dancers thought it couldn't get worse than the recent Wells Fargo campaign, and boy were we wrong. Just weeks after the release of this highly offensive advertisement came another: Kendall Jenner's Spanish Vogue. Featuring the celebrity in furry pointe shoes and incredibly short tutu, her laughable performance mandated a response from dancers everywhere. "Ballerinas Ticked by Spanish Vogue", that's what the headlines read, and for a moment, I was relieved to see a defense of the arts. But lo and behold, I was naive; I got ahead of myself. This was merely the title, while the content was a criticism of the mass outrage. Well, those headlines can add me to the list of ticked ballerinas, because I am ticked, and I'm not sorry. I'm not sorry because it took both Kendall Jenner and Spanish Vogue just 64 seconds to epitomize the public's poor image of our fine art. So to those who hear the words "Spanish Vogue" and wonder why we're mad, here's why:

1. A dance career is not "stupid, kid stuff".

Kendall isn't the only one who wore a tutu and danced around the kitchen as a child, as I myself did the same, AT THREE YEARS OLD. Despite her best efforts to appear laid back and fun-loving, she fails to realize that dancing in that fashion at twenty years old is no longer cute. Instead, it's insulting to those of similar age who hold aspirations of dancing professionally. For us, our love of dance did begin at the age of three, in the kitchen, with our sparkly tutus. Yet it quickly evolved into our utmost love, passion, expression and prospective career, and how can anyone consider that "stupid kid stuff"?

2. You can't just wake up and put on a pair of pointe shoes.

That is, unless you're Kendall Jenner. If you were Kendall Jenner, you might just wake up, put on a pair of pointe shoes and feel rather comfortable. But then again, how could you not? Your hardly broken in shoes, sickled feet, inward rotation and atrocious alignment would certainly make the job easier, and that's exactly the problem. Pointe work is NEVER easy. Young ballerinas dream of the day they will be allowed en pointe. When that day comes, it represents the solidification of ballet technique that has taken years to master and the arrival of long desired ankle strength. On this day, the dancer's full body weight will be supported by a single toe, the physical exertion will make the feet burn as if on fire, and no amount of tape will better the blisters. Thus, wearing pointe shoes is not a right, but a privilege to the worthy.


3. Being a dancer is not glamorous.

It's rare that we see Kendall Jenner outside a glamorous setting, and from the recent shoot, we can conclude that the dance studio is not an exception in the eyes of Spanish Vogue. If only they knew how unglamorous our craft truly was. Though we don excessive stage makeup, dazzling costumes and brilliant smiles for our audience, the rehearsals beforehand find us breathing violently, with bodies drenched in sweat and trembling from muscular exertion. Did Kendall Jenner appear in this condition? Not at all. Is this an accurate representation of our art form? Not even close. How difficult is it to be a dancer? Much more than Jenner or Spanish Vogue could ever comprehend.

4. Dancing is not for everyone.

If dancing was easy, everyone would do it, it's as simple as that. Jenner's laughable technique is the perfect testament to this fact. So why then, for a ballet themed video, did Spanish Vogue select a name over a professional dancer? Probably because Misty Copeland, with her perfect technique, self-respect and intention to inspire others (instead of her own fame), would have said no.

5. Society clearly hasn't come very far.

First the elimination of the arts in high schools, then the Wells Fargo advertisement, and now this. It feels as though every neglect for the arts is met with a half-hearted apology that resolves nothing. Therefore, we can only hope that the outrage left by Kendall Jenner's Spanish Vogue leaves a lasting impression on the respect for the arts.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91760
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

69412
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments