Ballet Unboxed
Join us on a transformative journey as we reexamine our relationship with Ballet!
Led by a diverse group of movement artists and educators, we'll delve into how Ballet impacts us, what we've learned from it, and how other dance genres, art forms, and life experiences inform our practice.
By experiencing and learning about Ballet through diverse personal narratives we hope that as a participant you will learn more about yourself whether or not you have a pre-existing relationship to Ballet.
Why Ballet Unboxed?
My training in the [Russian] Vaganova method shaped my foundational understanding of ballet, but exposure to more dance forms and teaching methodologies has prompted me to critically question ballet’s [traditionally] rigid aesthetics and hierarchical structures. Ballet Unboxed is my response—a platform to examine ballet’s emotional, physical, social and artistic dimensions, challenging the traditions that have long defined it. This series of workshops and classes fosters dialogue, exploration, and transformation within ballet. Open to participants of all backgrounds—from the ballet-curious to seasoned professionals—the initiative creates a welcoming space for individuals to reflect on and reshape their relationship with the form. A diverse cohort of educators will design workshops and classes that challenge prescriptive teaching methods, offering innovative ways to learn and experience ballet.
Each offering will explore themes such as participants’ emotional and physical relationships with ballet, the meaning of "non-traditional" in a ballet context, and how other dance styles or art forms inform their perspectives. Through movement exploration and reflective discussions, participants will engage with innovative pedagogy, broadening perspectives and shifting narratives around ballet. The goal is to foster a richer and more inclusive understanding of what ballet can be.
I want to celebrate and honor Ballet Unboxed’s successful campaign, supported by the 3arts 3AP program—learn more about the project here. I am deeply grateful to all nine educators who shared parts of themselves and their evolving relationships with ballet, shaping the project at its core. Big thanks to the spaces that held each class and workshop—Bim Bom Studios, The Rooted Space, The Dance Center Chicago, and Visceral Dance Chicago. In total, this series offered twenty free, open-to-the-public studio practices, classes, and workshops (see past offerings here). I also want to thank everyone who supported, attended, or shared!
This year Ballet Unboxed will be offering a mix of 3-hour workshops (think: a combination of seminar, movement lab, facilitated discussion + self-reflection, and social hour elements) taught by guest educators and a series of 2-hour ballet classes taught by me.