The balleternet had a collective aneurysm when Kim Kardashian’s­ clothing brand Skims collaborated with Nike on a balletcore collection, tapping pop star Lisa to model the line in a promo choreographed by Sergio Reis and Malou Linders. Dancers ran to Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok to make videos, commiserate, and express indignation. “They are appropriating ballet—our […]

Balletcore is also a subject of passionate debate among dancers. Many cringe at simplistic representations of the tools of their trade and, especially, at the use of models who appear to lack any ballet experience. Others think it’s a harmless or even potentially beneficial sign of admiration and respect for their art form.