4 Rising Dancers Reflect on the Cracked Mirror ‘Black Swan’ Held to Ballet

The article discusses the lasting impact of the 2010 film "Black Swan" on the ballet community, 15 years after its release. Four rising dancers reflect on the movie's portrayal of the dark side of ballet and its influence on their own experiences. While the dancers acknowledge that the film's depiction of the intense pressure and psychological strain in the ballet world is not entirely accurate, they also recognize its lasting impact. One dancer notes that the movie "didn't make ballet a joke," but rather highlighted the challenging realities of the profession. The article explores the dancers' perspectives on the movie's influence, with some arguing that it has helped to raise awareness of the mental and physical demands of ballet, while others feel that it has perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Overall, the article provides a nuanced look at the complex legacy of "Black Swan" within the ballet community.