MovieChat Forums > Breaking Pointe Discussion > Okay, so it's not ABT or SFB...

Okay, so it's not ABT or SFB...


I'm really offended by some derogatory comments I've read on this board. Okay, so Ballet West isn't ABT or SFB or Joffrey, etc., but that doesn't mean its dancers aren't good. They've worked their asses off to get where they are, and it's not their fault there are only so many openings at the most prestigious ballet companies each year. I'm sure most of them would prefer to be dancing in a famous company in a big city like NY or LA instead of Salt Lake City, but it's just not possible.

I appreciate how much hard work goes into being the dancers they are. In my heyday I wasn't half the ballet dancer any of these dancers are. I'd be THRILLED to have their skills!

It would be nice if people recognized that these are very skilled dancers, despite the fact that they're relegated to a small, not very prominent ballet company in a small market.

Oh--the dancers definitely should NOT refer to Christiana as the 'prima ballerina,' as that term should be reserved for THE best ballerinas in the world. Principal dancer? Yes. Prima ballerina? Definitely not.


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http://www.CaliforniaDreamsPhotography.com

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Thank for your kind words! Ballet West is one of the oldest companies in america. People should research Ballet West before they spout of names like ABT and SFB.

PS We don't refer to Christiana as Prima in real life. She is our leading female dancer but we were told to use the term for the show because "people" might understand it? I wasn't clear on half the things we did :)

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Wait...are you Rex as in REX on the show?

Regardless, you're welcome. It just upsets me that people make derogatory/snide remarks about BW, because the truth is that its dancers are PROFESSIONALS who've worked for years to achieve their skills.


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http://www.CaliforniaDreamsPhotography.com

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:) Yes I am Rex from the show. I have been on IMDB since 08. I love this place haha

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Well, good to 'meet' you, Rex. I love your dancing, and your brother's, too. It's amazing that two siblings ended up at the same professional company.

Oh, thanks for the clarification on the whole 'prima ballerina' thing. As a lifelong balletomane, I'm rather picky about stuff like that!


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http://www.CaliforniaDreamsPhotography.com

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[deleted]

Hi Rex!!! Love the show!

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I'm really offended by some derogatory comments I've read on this board.
Why should you be personally offended by what other people say about Ballet West?
Well, as a human being, I find it offensive that people have made snide remarks about the BW dancers, and BW itself. As if they and it are irrelevant because they're not in a big, famous city and/or company. You, as a former dancer, should understand what I mean when I say that these dancers have worked their asses off to get where they are, AND it's not their fault there are only so many openings each year at THE companies. Dancing at a smaller, less famous company isn't necessarily a negative reflection on a dancer.
Everyone has their own opinions and the right to express them.
Express away. As I will.
There is no right or wrong...just personal taste.
Fine--but MY personal taste doesn't involve denigrating dancers who've worked as hard as these professional ballet dancers have.
Of course there is talent in the company. But as a former dancer myself and live-long ballet fan, I am incredibly critical and expect the best. Perhaps one just gets spoiled after they've seen world class dancing.
I've seen world-class dancing. I'm incredibly critical, too, and I also expect the best. But that doesn't mean that I feel free to throw insults at dancers who are professionals, albeit in a lesser known company in a smaller market.
Part of the problem with this show is that we didn't REALLY get to see these dancer's chops. None of the editing was fluent and was, it seemed, 80% interviews/20 % dancing, so we have to judge their talent with the bits and pieces of dance that we did get to see.
YAY! We agree on something.


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http://www.CaliforniaDreamsPhotography.com
Twitter: @CaliDreamsPhoto

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I understand and respect that. But I think the original comparisons and criticism on this board started as a response to the opening credits of the show when Adam says that Ballet West is one of the “best” ballet companies in the U.S. (or something to that effect). And I just don't think that's true. I don't care how long the company has been around...they just aren't at the same level as "the best" the U.S. has to offer.
Ah, thanks for that clarification, Grania. That definitely sheds a different light on your original reply. And I agree with the rest of your comment!


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http://www.CaliforniaDreamsPhotography.com
Twitter: @CaliDreamsPhoto

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Hi, Rex, Thank you for commenting on the board. I love watching you dance. I'm curious as to the difference in the number of dancers between ABT and BW. I'm also wondering about the Idaho Ballet that one girl (Kathy?) joined. I've never heard of it. I can't imagine anyone could make a living dancing for them.

Also I grew up near Pittsburgh, so I'm wondering what your opinion of the Pittsburgh Ballet is.

Boo Hoo! Let me wipe away the tears with my PLASTIC hand!--Lindsey McDonald (Angel)

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I think the dancers of Ballet West are fantastic from what I've seen. I'd love to go see them perform live. Cinderella looked like it was going to be amazing!





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It's not NYCB either. I find that company better than ABT OR SFB.
That company is something special.





Get me a bromide! And put some gin in it!

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I agree with the OP, I think getting into any dance company is an amazing feat. The dedication, talent, and hard work required...truly commendable! Maybe some people only recognize the bigger name companies and think that the smaller ones are less than but to be able to get paid to realize your dream is fantastic no matter where you are or who you work for.

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No, it's not NYCB or ABT but it is still a very good company with wonderful dancers. Besides, companies outside of New York give people who don't live in the Metropolitan area the opportunity to see dance. Sure, PBS airs dance performances, but even the best televised dance cannot replace live performances.

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