a Ballet Education September 2016 | Page 6

Letter from the Editor | SEPTEMBER 2016 
 “He stood in the wind and let it peel him clean.” Anne Carson, Autobiography of Red scary, just like the wind. You know it is there, but you can’t see it. That is what I am facing right now. I'm creating a magazine, a publication that is worthy to its readers, and essential in preserving and furthering the art of ballet. You might not realize it, but ballet is currently in the middle of something special. Ballet is changing and being reinvented.  What was once considered a luxury for the rich and privileged is now becoming an art form dictated by the people. Ballet is one of the classic art forms that has always been preserved or protected by the rich and elite, this is a fundamental truth that has allowed ballet to continue. Without the patrons of the arts, ballet would not survive. But the audience is changing, and the idea that the people dictate the season is becoming more and more apparent with the demand on social media that can pressure a c o m p a n y. T h e b a l l e t w a s o n c e affordable, and people would line the streets waiting for performances. Same with the theater. They would fill the floor and only have standing room, but it was accessible because it was one of the only forms of entertainment. Now, in addition to the arts, we have TV, film, social media, and a variety of new sports. This is my first Letter from the Editor for A Ballet Education, and it is quite terrifying. It shouldn’t be any different than writing a blog post, but for some reason the weight and importance of this letter is causing writer's block. This letter opens the magazine as a company and sets the tone for what you are about to indulge in. The unknown is (continued on next page) 6