Beauty in Austerity

I am struck by the juxtaposition of Spartan rigidity to the effeminate grace that characterizes ballet and ballet class. The thing is, the majority of movements in ballet may appear to be soft, light, and airy, but these outward characteristics belie their source: tension, tightness, and weightedness. The austerity of the dance is reflected in class, which is generally serious and focused. We may walk through the doorway in silly, talkative moods, but once the plie music plays and class begins, things get serious pretty quickly. Others might find this austere nature of ballet class a turn-off, but I love it. There is beauty in austerity, especially when it is married to soft, effeminate grace. It is a noble beauty.