While traipsing about the Internet one morning at 4 a.m., I stumbled across an article talking about how dance, specifically ballet, was in jeopardy. The article claimed that the growing competition in the dance world is causing people to care less and less about the artistry of the steps and more about the tricks- turns, kicks and leaps. Then, the article proceeded to say something that made me instantly outraged.

It said that ballet was becoming a sport.

A common argument in the dance world is whether or not what we do is a sport. Well, maybe not an argument, but a disagreement, where what side you are on depends on what style of dance you focus on. Jazz dancers are more likely to call it a sport, but ballet dancers will almost certainly call it a performance art. It makes sense, in a way. Jazz dancers are really into the big, showy movements, or whatever is impressive, while ballet is very much about the aesthetics and how everything looks together. The differences mean that jazz is a far more competitive style, at least in terms of the showcasing of the movements. “Go big or go home” is very prevalent.

Unfortunately, as time goes on, the impressive mentality is seeping into ballet. It’s no longer enough to have good lines or the right quality. If a ballet dancer can’t lift her leg up to her face or turn around 14 times en pointe, it’s really hard for her to get a job. Everyone is looking for what will make them stand out and what will wow audiences instead of what creates the best piece of art.

While this may not seem like a bad thing, it does immensely shorten the careers of professional dancers. Peak physical condition, especially when one is pushing her body as hard as most dancers do, doesn’t last very long. If companies make casting and contract judgments based on how high a dancer can jump, they won’t be able to keep their company members for long.

The best thing for ballet would be to stay true to its roots as an art form, but most companies are struggling to sell enough tickets to stay afloat as it is. Unless the audience changes, we’re going to keep heading down this competitive path.