Ballet Community Protests Comments Implying It's Not For Boys

Sep 23, 2019 by apost team

“Good Morning America” host Lara Spencer is faced backlash earlier this year after she made comments about six-year-old Prince George taking ballet classes.

Hundreds of dancers showed up outside of the GMA studios in Times Square to have a ballet class as a show of protest that boys can dance too.

On “Good Morning America” the hosts sat down to discuss some of the topics of the day. Lara introduced the subject of the royal family and Prince George by saying,

“Details of George’s curriculum have been released, making us all really happy we don’t have to do homework anymore. In addition to the usual first or second grade things like math, science, and history, the future king of England will be putting down the Play-Doh to take on religious studies, computer programming, poetry, and ballet, among other things.”

However, the comments that got the host in hot water were when she said,

“Prince William said Prince George absolutely loves ballet, I have news for you Prince William, we’ll see how long that lasts.”

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Since the remarks, a movement with the hashtag #BoysDanceToo has gained momentum online. So much so participants decided to take to the streets in Times Square where the GMA studio is located to protest Lara Spencer's comments. “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Travis Wall led the demonstration in which hundreds of dancers many of whom were male practiced ballet. 

Wall also spoke out against Spencer on Instagram addressing her personally.

“Dear Lauren Spencer of Good Morning America,” Wall began, “You made comments while talking about Prince George wanting to take a ballet class and laughing that he loves it and I found these comments to be very upsetting. Not only did you inspire your audience and colleagues to participate in the laughter you have now added fuel to the fire to a massive problem in this country which is bullying. As a dancer myself I was bullied all the time growing up and I’m thankful that I used that as motivation to be successful but that’s not the case for every child.” 

Since the outrage, Lara has not only apologized on instagram but GMA released a video of Lara publicly apologizing and sitting down with three of the dance industry’s top male dancers to learn about the problems faced by boys who take dance classes.

Lara addressed the camera to say,

“I screwed up, I did. The comment I made about dance was insensitive, it was stupid and I am deeply sorry. I’ve spoken with several members of the dance community over the past few days, I have listened I have learned about the bravery it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance.“

What do you think about Lara Spencer’s comments and her apology? Tell us below and tell the ballet dancer in your life.