Paradoxes of Pointe
The pointe shoe becomes the site of innumerable contradictions in the face of several developments: the expulsion of the danseur from the ballet, the installation of the danseuse en travesti in his place, the privatization of the theatres and the introduction of backstage prostitution. The ballerina becomes both incorporeal (as she effortlessly defies gravity) and corporeal (available for consumption, both visually and literally); ethereal spirit and earthly body; untouchable and for sale; ideal femininity and erotic temptress.