Now that I have been posting so much against stereotypes and generalizing, it’s time to make some assumptions myself.
I give you the fauna of a ballet-theatre;
(Please note that when I refer to the Corps, I mean the corps de ballet, or the dancers of the theatre without any soloist or principle status)
The Director – with capital d. With the faiths of all undermentioned in his hands, he spends most his time strolling the halls, often having important conversations on phone. See the post on Hierarchy in the theatre for more on the director.
The assistant - Friends with the director (although he might hate his guts), and his right hand. Always wants more power. The assistant is expected to sit and watch (as in – not speak) as long as there are more “important” people present. From time to time, he or she may get an opportunity to be the boss, for example by leading a rehearsal. Those are usually all about him or her bossing everyone around.
The soloist – no close friends, but hangs around other soloists, the choreographer and the photographer. May have some connections with the pianist. Strong emotions, specially sensitive to pain (both physical and mental). Easily hurt, and knows how to keep a grudge.
The Diva - also with capital d. Usually a female soloist, although not necessarily. Will not dance if something is off or other than expected. She is the perfect partner – it’s everyone else that’s bad. If the Diva is rehearsing, you are expected to pay attention, and be quiet. Anything else is extremely offending. Has a weak immune system, leading to occasional acute pain and agony, that may even prevent her from dancing. This specially if someone hurt her. The Diva will have it her way, or no way at all.
The choreographer – friends with the soloist, although not too closely related. Often very clear on his or her sexual preferences. As the soloist, he let’s no-one close to his real me (this may be a result of many soloist turning choreographers at the end of their careers). On first name with the director, and therefore represents a great power in the studio.
The photographer – friends with everyone. Specially close to the soloist. Knows the choreography enough to know when to take pictures, and when to retire to the buffet. Hears all rumors, and might even have proof…
The ballet-master: A versatile breed of the theatre. May be very friendly, but is also known to come with quite strong remarks on the dancers. His popularity is based almost exclusively on the quality of his class – if the class is hard and challenging, the ballet-master will be adored by the hard-workers, but despited by the older and lazier dancers, and vice versa.
The old dancer - mostly hang with it’s own kind, but has an opinion on everyone. Enjoys short rehearsals and long showers.
The shady girl – friends with the whole male corps. Dresses slightly inappropriate. Rarely a hard-worker, at least not in the ballet studio…
The pianist - usually a popular figure amongst the dancers. Friendly, often funny, slightly eccentric. Often a great resource on both history and theory of music. Knows his place, and never steps into the sphere of correcting the dancers (those who do never lasts for long).
The sad girl - usually quiet, sits in the corner. Not too content with her place in the company, but usually not the hardest worker either. Apart from almost all the others, the sad girl is often known to have connections with the outside world, living out only parts of her existence in the theatre. Not known to have bigger roles.
The entertainer – usually a member of the male corps. Self-critical, humorous, satirical. Spreads joy amongst the dancers and the other breeds in the theatre, although sometimes on others expense. Get’s away with jokes that would have had severe consequences for other members of the crew.
The secretary – knows all rehearsal-, performance- and tour-schedules. Also responsible for salaries. Therefore often a quite popular figure. Sends many emails.
The wardrobe-people: Works with the costumes. Usually nice people. Don’t need to knock on the door to enter a changing room, even if the people changing there is of the opposite sex. Are always blamed for any mistakes on stage – pirouettes not good? shoes was sticky! Bad extensions? The tights were tight! You can always blame it on the clothes…
Did I forget anyone? Give me a hint, and I’ll include them in the lists!
And at the end: I am trying to be funny, here! I realize people have more sides than one, and don’t wish to hurt anyone. But if you spend your days in a theatre like mine, I’m sure you recognize at least a few of the characters…
Until next time,
Ta-ta
H
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
This is fun.
What about the ballet-master or mistress? Sometimes called something else; but I mean the one who usually gives training. And then there is the assistant to the director, who is sometimes also the training-giver. This person is usually made responsible for anything which goes wrong.
Oh, and then there is the person responsible for running the rehearsals, esp. after the choreographer has left / finished. These people are authorities, but their authority is often questioned and there are some dramatic differences of opinion sometimes.
We also had wardrobe-mistresses and masters… another chapter, perhaps.
-t-
Hello!
My name is Andreas and Im 16 years and im from Sweden! I read your blog everyday
I gotta say i can identifie myself with the entertainer alot:)
The Diva?
Oh my, you are ofcourse all right –
Ter-o-fla: I did indeed forget the ballet master. Wardrobe-people are also a must in my list!
But the biggest scandal is that I forgot the Diva! How could I?
Thank you all for tips – I will update the post shortly!
@Andreas: Hi, I'm glad to hear you like my blog! If there is something you, or anyone else, would like to read about/are curious about, drop me a line on e-mail, and I'll see what I can do
Your last text is very funny, interesting and amusing, Henrik!
Just one little thing: Check out your profile, the "About me". Any thing there that neds to be adjusted?
haha, yes, adjusted (I just turned 24.. The about me page said 23.. oh my..)
Bring in The Shady Girl ! HA HA. Or the Diva. My favorite description was of the Diva.
Surely you must mean the DivaS??? LOL!
Of course! They should actually be further up the list, if it was number-prioriticed
And by all means, this is not only a female character 
The Stage Manager??
x
noted
the lighting guy/gal? We too are blamed too for not being able to see and dance.
Haha, thanks Mike, that’s true – and the sound tech is usually blamed for being deaf, right?!
In general, we theatre-people are really good at dealing blame.. ÷)
I am a costumer, I laughed when I saw the comments on the wardrobe people. Its true, we do not knock lol. But you forgot a few things, all female costumers eventually start to dress more “costumey” a popular look Ive noticed is broom stick skirts and scarves or big chunky jewlery. And glasses from the years of staring at tiny beads and seams.
haha, true, they all do kind of look the same
I’m glad you enjoyed my post – it is way over the top, of course, but I do believe there is some truth in here 
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