YouTube Lets Ballerinas DIY

Formal ballet is one of the most rigid education systems in art—dancers spend years doing exercises before they are even allowed to purchase pointe shoes. But some students are abandoning the hierarchy and turning to a less-stringent, modern master—YouTube. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at aspiring ballerinas who record their home practices and critique each other’s videos online.

The dance establishment is largely aghast at these home videos: "To be honest, I was horrified by what I saw," said the American Ballet Theatre’s executive director, citing the dangerous foot injuries that can result from improper practice. Other ballet teachers are trying to use YouTube to send out pointers for those already taking lessons, but finding it hard to draw the line with an online community determined to do it themselves. (More ballet stories.)