The Scholar: Sadie Dripps

The Project: Beyond the Tutus and Pointe Shoes

The Essential Question: My scholars project is an exploration through movement of the toxic ballet environment. I showed the flawless look that audience members often see of ballerinas through a pointe variation known as “Bluebird”. I then unveiled the hidden toxicity of ballet through two self-choreographed contemporary pieces. I focused on the question “How can you showcase the hidden world of ballet through movement?” specifically, the conflicting feeling of loving the art, but also having to cope with the toxic environment.

Surprising Discovery: I discovered how interesting it can be to work an object into choreography. For my project I decided to incorporate my pointe shoes even after I took them off. I think this helped tie the story line together and show the pull and push that the toxic ballet environment can have on a dancer. At first, I didn’t expect to use my pointe shoes as a prop, but as I began to choreography, I quickly realized how affective they were in telling the story.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge I faced while working on my project was getting back on pointe. I grew up doing ballet and did pointe for three years, however I stopped when I came to Williston. For my scholars project I decided to go back on pointe, but it was definitely a challenge to strengthen my ankles enough to feel comfort on stage.

Tips for future scholars: For future dance scholars I recommend taking advantage when inspiration sparks. Choreographing such an extensive piece can be very difficult, so utilize those moments where you have a lot of good ideas for movement.