Masculinidades e balé: um estudo com bailarinos clássicos da região metropolitana do estado do Espírito Santo

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyze the experiences of male dancers in a cis-heteronormative society. To do so, we seek to understand how the sociocultural constructs around gender and sexuality have unfolded and continue to do so, examining models of masculinities and femininities, specifically their impacts on the lives of male dancers both within and outside the artistic environment in which they operate. Recognizing that there are socially constructed notions seemingly determined as feminine or masculine, I aim to reflect on how these constructs of masculinity and femininity, of man and woman, permeate the lives of classical dancers who work professionally in the metropolitan region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. To achieve the objectives of this research, a literature review was conducted with a focus on the years 2003-2023. Through the methodological approach of Life History, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four classical dancers. Regarding data analysis, we chose dialogical thematic analysis, a dynamic and flexible qualitative analytical method, along with the methodological approach of everyday life research, which recognizes the importance of the narratives of each person involved in the study. The results demonstrate that, in the context of the study, the association of classical ballet with femininity and/or homosexuality still persists. It was also observed that, just as perceptions of gender and sexuality persist in ballet practice, there is a concern to maintain a cis-heteronormative performance during shows and presentations, regardless of the dancer's actual sexuality.