’Ballet Energy for Boys’ in Finland: A Description of the Workshop Content

How can we improve Finnish boys’ conceptions of ballet? How can we increase male involvement in ballet? We tried to answer these central questions by reflecting on and reviewing the goals, content and teaching methods utilized to teach methods of a tuition-free ballet workshop titled Ballet Energy for Boys. Produced by the Finnish National Opera, this workshop was introduced to about 2500 seven to eight year-old boys in elementary schools in the capital region in Finland. Written primarily for dance educators, this article aims to contribute to the literature about our recent efforts in inspiring boys to learn ballet and to learn how to appreciate ballet.