Addressing diversity and inclusion in ballet

The ‘ballet brown’ movement challenges the long-standing norm of ‘ballet pink’. Pink shoes, tights, and leotards have traditionally been designed to match the skin tone of white dancers. This standard has excluded dancers of colour, by forcing them to dye their shoes or settle for costumes that do not reflect their natural skin tones. The introduction of ballet shoes and clothing in diverse skin tones has helped dancers feel included. It also sends a powerful message about identity and belonging in an historically exclusive art form.

Bellen Woodard, the trailblazing creator of the ‘More Than Peach’ project, continues her mission of fostering inclusion with her new picture book Ballet Brown. In this inspiring real-life story, she highlights the importance of representation and celebrates diversity in ballet. It has the potential to empower young dancers to embrace their unique identities.

By sharing Bellen’s book in your morning read-aloud you can encourage students to think critically about the impact of representation. In addition, it may inspire them to advocate for inclusive practices in their own environments.