Famous faces in the dancing world – and a “flash mob” of ballet dancers in Times Square – have rallied behind Prince George after he was mocked by a US news anchor for taking up ballet.
Good Morning America host Lara Spencer has faced a fierce backlash for making light of the future King of England’s extra-curricular activities.
During a discussion about what Prince George would be learning as he enters Year 2 at the prestigious Thomas’s Battersea in London, Spencer said, laughing, “he looks so happy about the ballet class”.
“Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet. I have news for you Prince William, we’ll see how long that lasts.”
Dancers get behind Prince George
In response, around 300 people took over Times Square outside the Good Morning America studios in New York to take part in a free ballet class in support of Prince George.
So nice to see responsible adults still exist. So wonderful to see these 300 dancers leading by example in their open air #ballet class this morning in Times Square in front of #GoodMorningAmerica , after the show’s #sexist #bullying against boys who enjoy dance! #BoysDanceToo pic.twitter.com/nW5D0BmNNy
— Coréon Dú (@CoreonDu) August 26, 2019
The protest dance was organised to coincide with Spencer issuing an on-air apology for her remarks.
Celebrity dancers stomp on Lara Spencer
Well-known choreographers and dancers across the world have condemned the news anchor, which has seen a surge in posts using the hashtag #boysdancetoo.
Ballet dancer Barbara Zorzato said Spencer has “shamed” the young prince.
There’s been no shortage of celebrity faces chiming in, including “So You Think You Can Dance” star Mark Kanemura – who has danced alongside the likes of Lady Gaga and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Dear @LaraSpencer and anyone that needs to hear it… BOYS DANCE TOO! #BoysDanceToo pic.twitter.com/RLeSaiORD3
— Mark Kanemura (@mKiK808) August 23, 2019
Suits star Dule Hill posted a personal video calling out Spencer for her insensitive remarks, saying ballet brought him to where he is today.
“I’m not going to get into why someone would use their platform to make fun of young boys learning dance, but I will say this – as a young boy, I went to dance class. I took jazz, I took tap, and I took ballet,” he said.
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I am a dancer. #BoysDanceToo #GoodMorningAmerica #Ballet #Jazz #Tap #Dance
“And you know what? I loved it. For me, dance has been the journey of a lifetime. It exposed me to this entire world of art.”
He added: “Whether you are a prince named George or a young boy who has dreams of being Lord of the Dance, I say go for it.
“Dare to dream, dare to dance. You might enjoy it. And you know what? Boys dance too.”
Hi @laraspencer I thought you’d like to see my grandson, Leo, in his ballet class. pic.twitter.com/EMw4KvRowJ
— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) August 25, 2019
Lara Spencer apologises for Prince George comments
The under-fire TV host has since said sorry for her remarks, describing the fallout as a”true education”.
.@LaraSpencer apologizes for her comments about boys and dance and sits down with 3 celebrated ballet dancers: “It has been a true education for me.” pic.twitter.com/bYJUvVGaXK
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 26, 2019
“I screwed up, I did,” she said.
“The comment I made about dance was insensitive, it was stupid, and I am deeply sorry.
“I have spoken with several members of the dance community over the past few days, I have listened, I have learned about the bravery it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance.”
Back to school for Prince George
The young prince begins Year 2 at Thomas’s Battersea in London on September 5.
He’ll be joined by younger sister Princess Charlotte, who’ll be starting in the reception programme.
The pair are said to be just as excited as each other about being at ‘big school’ together.
