Ballet: Accessible or not?

People with certain impairments, like autism, are pre-disposed to liking repetitive motions, can be very focused and committed to something far beyond that of mortal man, and enjoy well-defined rule structures. These are qualities that are praised by many ballet teachers. If one has a mental issue, or a neurological issue, the world of dance might provide solace from a society that does not accept difference, possibly prompting even more commitment to the development of the art. Those that do not have a DSM issue might even have to learn a few traits in order to be successful, to compete with the natural intensities of those who have the traits of numerous DSM labels.

Some writers and speakers have acknowledged ballet dancers who have eating disorders; drug addictions, current and former; various mental issues, various Autistic labels; Deaf and Hard of Hearing dancers...but there is little to no mention of the overarching issue--DISABILITY. What mention disability receives comes largely out of stress that encourages drug use and eating disorders, a negative reference, but their are positive issues that go unheard. There are also other negative issues that have not recieved mention, the expected concealment of a specific disability.

One can be up front about certain issues in most ballet companies, but if it is too visible, than the superhuman fantasy is broken. What does that mean to be in a place where one can be themselves if they have certain disabilities, but also be a place where one cannot ever be themselves and fully claim the vary label that affects the broadest strokes of living? Furthermore, by concealing disability, there is not an overt role model in dance for other disabled people to latch on to and say, "maybe dance is for me." This is something that needs to be explored, the good of accessibility within the world of ballet, and the drawbacks of concealment. Academics, start your engines.