The photoshoot that was definitely not on pointe.
The appropriation of ballet in Vogue España’s Kendall Jenner shoot
A few weeks back, we saw the launch of the new Vogue España photoshoot with Kendall Jenner posing in a ballet studio. It sounded great on paper – an adorable concept, fabulous fashion, and of course a stunning, so hot right now Kendall Jenner. But, as we all probably know (thanks to the Facebook ranting) it lacked a certain finesse when it came down to the photos, and the decision to put Kendall in pointe shoes is to blame. Throughout the photoshoot, Kendall is prancing around a studio and attempting to go on pointe whilst leaning on a ballet bar.
Vogue, she may be Kendall Jenner but no one is the Superwoman. I don’t quite understand it, when your car breaks down you wouldn’t call a plumber, even if everyone is ranting and raving about how good they are. So what could possibly be better suited than hiring a professional ballerina to model in a ballet themed photoshoot? Authenticity people, let’s not forget about it.
We should be celebrating these amazing dancers who train for hours on end to strive for a perfectly arched foot in a pointe shoe. Ballet is an incredible art form. Plus, It’s hard work! Having spent years in the studio working hard to perfect my feet to the pointe of breaking –pardon the pun – I can’t help but feel irritated. Vogue, if you’re going to do a ballet shoot – do a ballet shoot. There is nothing amazing about a pointe shoe that a) hasn’t been broken into and b) doesn’t look safe. It looks painful, and kudos to Kendall because it undoubtedly was.
Vogue, take inspo from the latest anti-wrinkle cream ad by Boots No.7 featuring Alessandra Ferri. The advert shows clips of her dancing in her 20’s and then her preforming the same routine now. And boy, does she look beautiful. Dance appropriation shouldn’t be happening, and let’s hope that after the online scrutiny Vogue faced, we’ll be seeing less of it.