Artistic Director and CEO Suspended Amidst Allegations of Discrimination
The School of Cleveland Ballet is currently embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of body size discrimination. The artistic director, Gladisa Guadalupe, and CEO, Michael Krasnyansky, who are married, have been suspended pending internal and external reviews. The controversy began when ballet instructor Brittani Harris was informed that her teaching contract would not be renewed due to her body size. This revelation has raised questions about the ballet industry’s standards and the treatment of dancers.
A Teacher’s Passion Cut Short
Brittani Harris, an experienced ballet instructor, was excited to teach dance to children with the Girls and Boys Club of Akron through the School of Cleveland Ballet’s outreach program. However, her contract was unexpectedly not renewed just one day before her students’ performance. This decision was allegedly based on her body size, according to Jim Becker, the former manager of the outreach program.
Aesthetic Concerns and Discrimination
During a staff meeting, Gladisa Guadalupe, the artistic director, expressed her disapproval of Harris’s teaching style and appearance. She specifically mentioned a photo of Harris demonstrating a tendu movement, stating that Harris did not have the physical aesthetic required to teach ballet to the children. Becker confronted Guadalupe about insinuating that someone’s size could disqualify them, to which Guadalupe nodded in agreement. This incident highlights the issue of body size discrimination in the ballet industry.
Legal Implications and Frustrations
The School of Cleveland Ballet claims to be a nonprofit organization that does not discriminate against protected groups. However, body size does not fall under the legally protected categories of employment discrimination. Civil rights attorney Subodh Chandra expressed frustration over the lack of legal recourse in such cases, despite the clear unfairness and irrationality of the situation. The absence of legal protection leaves individuals vulnerable to discrimination based on factors not covered by existing laws.
Impact on Children and Misconceptions
Guadalupe’s comments during the staff meeting went beyond discussing Harris’s body size. She suggested that having a teacher like Harris could negatively influence young girls and put them at greater risk of injury. However, dance physical therapist Jenna Kantor debunked this misconception, stating that there is no evidence supporting a link between body size and injury in dance. These misconceptions perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder the acceptance of diverse bodies in the ballet world.
Internal and External Investigations
In response to the allegations, the Board of Directors of the School of Cleveland Ballet has initiated internal and external reviews. Experienced outside counsel has been engaged to conduct an independent investigation and advise the board on workplace issues and operations. The board is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. As a result of these investigations, both Guadalupe and Krasnyansky have been suspended pending the outcome.
Conclusion: The School of Cleveland Ballet finds itself at the center of a controversy surrounding body size discrimination. The suspension of the artistic director and CEO reflects the seriousness with which the board is addressing these allegations. This incident raises important questions about the ballet industry’s standards and the treatment of dancers. It serves as a reminder that diversity and inclusivity should be prioritized in all artistic disciplines, including ballet. The outcome of the investigations will determine the future direction of the School of Cleveland Ballet and its commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all.
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