Markup View

Author: darkapothem2000

Dec 20th 2013 at 12:25:46 AM

I think it might also be helpful (both in determining the scope and beefing up the description) to flesh out the ways in which ballet functions in fiction, and in this trope specifically... that is, how does the element of ballet in a work or episode help us explore something like character or theme?

A few thoughts on how ballet might come into play otherwise non-ballet related fiction:
* A tough character wants or needs to explore their sensitive side - whether by their own choice or at the urging of others - and takes up ballet.
** Alternatively, one or more people discover that the tough character does ballet, and their perceptions of the tough character are changed.
* A traditionally masculine character wants or needs to immerse themselves in the "girls' world" and decides to take a ballet class... (maybe they followed a crush into the studio, maybe they're settling a bet, or maybe they're forced into it)
* A male character secretly enjoys ballet and/or other "girly" things but doesn't want to reveal to his traditionally masculine friends.
* A dreamy, idealistic character (usually a little girl) dreams of being in the ballet and signs up for class... but learns it isn't as glamorous and dreamy as they expected.
* A character with no previous interest in ballet discovers a unique talent for it, and has to decide what to do with their talent.

^^^ My own vote would be for option 2. Even though I could see how calling it BalletEpisode might be problematic, I like the idea of the trope being specifically for the introduction of ballet into non-ballet centered fiction.

I hope this is helpful? Hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes and would love to contribute here any way I can.