Athletic Quote by Clive Barnes
“Dance has become an exclusionary enterprise. To participate, one must be thinner than thin, of pleasing form, flexible, athletic and young. If you are not all these things, you will be allowed to dance in the privacy of your own living room. You just wouldn't dare to put yourself onstage.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Dance Critique, 1975, The New York Times
Dance culture often excludes those who don’t fit narrow aesthetic standards, limiting participation.
In simple terms: Dance can feel exclusive based on body and age.
Key Takeaway
Advocate inclusive spaces for all dancers.
Themes
inclusion
body image
artistic expression
Mood
critical
empathetic
Type
analytical
activist
When to use this quote
- dance studios
- community workshops
- school curricula
- media representation
Key Concepts
social equity
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you support diverse bodies in dance?
- What changes would make dance more welcoming?
A Different Perspective
Exclusivity can be challenged by redefining standards.
