Unveiling talent: Ballet directors’ role in identifying and developing male dancers within classical ballet companies

What is art? It is not just nature. It is nurtured nature. It is intelligence applied to what physical ability you have (Rudolf Nureyev). (Kavanagh 2013)

This study investigates ballet directors’ roles in identifying and developing talent in elite male ballet dancers in professional companies. Framed within an interpretative paradigm and employing a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted in-depth interviews with seven expert ballet directors using participation criteria adapted from sports research. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Directors use declarative and tacit knowledge to examine natural ability, systematic benchmarks, and work ethic to identify talent. The initial identification process focused on anthropometric measures and pas de deux skills, with work ethic and ambition being assessed later. In a pas de deux partnership, collaboration and creativity depend on emotional intelligence (EI) and character traits like self-regulation and generosity. However, the study highlights that male dancers initially identified as talented but lacked self-regulation and embodied intelligence and did not progress to the higher ranks. In addition, male dancers tend to be identified and promoted faster than women. These results shed light on gender bias during the TID process and directors’ approach to identifying and developing an elite male ballet dancer.