Embracing Queerness in Ballet: A Conversation with Adriana Pierce

Art Works Podcast

A conversation with Adriana Pierce, a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and director, who is reshaping the ballet world through her initiative, Queer the Ballet. Pierce discusses her early dance experiences and how her passion for dance led her to notable positions at the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet, where she spent seven years honing her craft. But at the same time, there was much to negotiate: Pierce discusses the challenges of navigating gender and sexual identity in the ballet community. She reflects on the rigid gender-specific roles taught in partnering classes and her desire to break down these traditional dynamics through her choreography. This led, during the pandemic, to the creation of Queer the Ballet, a pioneering initiative aimed at creating inclusive spaces, work, and choreography for queer artists. Pierce talks about some of the work she’s created, including the evening-length piece “Dream of a Common Language” which she directed, and the positive reception from the ballet community and audiences. She also shares her vision for the future of Queer the Ballet, emphasizing the need for ongoing support from the ballet community and inclusive training.