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- Misty Copeland slams Timothée Chalamet’s comments on ballet (usatoday.com)
Ballet Icon Misty Copeland Steps Up to Address Chalamet’s Controversial Remarks
Renowned ballerina Misty Copeland is gracefully, yet firmly, addressing actor Timothée Chalamet’s recent comments regarding the performing arts of ballet and opera. Chalamet, 30, is currently facing criticism for suggesting that “no one cares about this anymore” during a recent town hall event.
Copeland, 43, expressed her surprise at Chalamet’s remarks, particularly given his prior outreach to her to promote his latest film, “Marty Supreme.” “First, I have to say that it’s very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form,” Copeland stated during a panel for cosmetics company Aveeno.
She emphasized the enduring relevance of these art forms, despite their position outside mainstream pop culture. “I think that it’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and a part of pop culture as movies are, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture,” Copeland explained.
The ballerina highlighted the common misconception that popularity equates to significance. “I think that it’s often mistaken that when something is popular, that it’s more meaningful or more impactful,” she said. “There’s a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years, and I think when you have access and opportunity to be a part of something like that, it can change your life.”
Copeland underscored her career-long dedication to broadening access and understanding of ballet. “That’s the work that I’ve been doing my whole career, is to bring more people into it,” she continued. “So that people do understand the importance and the relevance of it in our communities and our culture, and you see it reflected everywhere.”
She also drew a connection between the historical impact of opera and ballet and the opportunities available to actors today. “He wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium,” Copeland concluded. “So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn’t be comparing them.”
Leading up to “Marty Supreme,” Chalamet distributed branded jackets for the film, one of which Copeland sported in an Instagram post, captioning it “Dream Big” and collaborating with the film’s official account.
Chalamet’s comments have ignited a strong reaction across the art world, with opera singers and ballet performers vocally defending their professions and criticizing his statements as a dismissive remark against fellow artists.
A potential encounter between Chalamet and Copeland could occur at the upcoming Academy Awards. Chalamet is nominated for his role in “Marty Supreme,” while Copeland is scheduled to perform alongside Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq in a tribute to “I Lied to You,” an Oscar-nominated song from the film “Sinners.”
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- Misty Copeland slams Timothée Chalamet’s comments on ballet (usatoday.com)