As you may have noticed, there was a distinct lack of tutus worn by the Selwyn Ballet performers at this year’s capping show.
Luke McLelland, Warden of Selwyn, said that OUSA told Selwyn that they got feedback from last years show indicating that people didn’t really vibe with the Selwyn Ballet “in its current form.” The choreographers “talked this through, and arrived at new costumes for this year’s show.”
This meant no tutus. “Personally, I’m fully supportive of change that responds to the calls of society,” said Luke. “Numerous global movements are shouting for change and we all have a responsibility — it’s on each of us as individuals and community groups to take small steps, when and where it’s called for.”
He highlighted efforts from within the college to “reframe” their culture to keep up with social norms and “our own community.” The changes to the Ballet is very much a part of this movement.
Sean, a Selwyn alumnus, said that “when I did it, we didn’t feel like we were being transphobic. We were just guys in tutus, having fun. There wasn’t any negative intent behind it.” He added that the tutus were a bit more “theatrical than the leotards this year, but the leotards were still great.”
Sean also noted that the Ballet was the only group that was not a part of the “theatre group”, so there is “a bit of pushback against them already.”
Luke said that “the ballet has varied over the 90+ years it’s been associated with the Capping Show, so who knows what the costumes and performance will look like in years to come.”
OUSA, who run the Capping Show, did not respond in time for comment on this story.