The Cold War and Ballet

When you think of ballet, you probably think of the Sugar Plum Fairy, pink tutus, and satin shoes. But during the 20th century, ballet was used in the Soviet Union and China to promote the rise of communism. Ballet dancers became players in diplomatic relations between the East and West. Ballet companies and performances were used to promote political agendas and ideologies. This class will cover ballet’s role in the events leading up to the height of the Cold War and the Cultural Revolution, as well as diplomatic relations between the U.S., the People’s Republic of China, and the former Soviet Union. 

The class will consist of 8 pre-recorded lectures and include several movies/performances to watch. Students will submit several reflections on the content through the discussion board. Students will also engage in discussion questions on the discussion board through video clips and discussion. 

Module 1: Kings, Tsars, and Imperial Ballet (1850-1917)
Students will learn about Ballet’s origins and how it became so popular in Russia. This lesson will lay the groundwork for understanding the imperial governments of Russia and China gave way to socialist and communist revolution. Students will become familiar with the musical compositions of Tchaikovsky, choreographic works of Marius Petipa, the teaching pedagogy of Vaganova, and the Bolshevik Revolution. (Two 30-min lectures and several clips of ballet). 

Module 2: Ballet for the Working Class (1917-1956)
In this module, students will learn how ballet was used in the development of China and Russia’s diplomatic relationship in the early 20th century. This section will cover the creation of ballets like “The Red Poppy” and the role of visual and performance art in Leninism and Maoism. (One 30-min lecture and sections of “The Red Poppy” with a worksheet).

***At the end of module 2, students will create a 3 min video of themselves showing differences between classical ballet and ballets in the 20th century. They can dance, show pictures, or use public speaking. They will post these videos to the discussion board.

Module 3: Ballet for the State (1956-1976)
In this module, students will learn how the early teachings of communist leaders solidified ballet’s role in state propaganda. Students will become familiar with Chairman Mao, Chinese Communist propaganda, and the Cultural Revolution. Students are encouraged to watch the 1985 film “White Nights” (PG-13:https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/white-nights)

Module 4: Ballet Dancers in Diplomacy and Defection
In this module, students will understand how ballet was used in soft diplomacy between the U.S., China, and the Soviet Union. Students will learn about famous defectors like: George Balanchine, Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Li Cunxin. Students will be encouraged to watch the film “Mao’s Last Dancer”. (PG: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/movie-reviews/mao-s-last-dancer). 

Module 5: Final Thoughts
This module will include a wrap-up. Students will write a short essay on the topic.