The female gaze is a powerful thread pulled through the novel of “Till We Have Faces,” offering a unique perspective on the age-old tale of Cupid and Psyche. The novel is narrated by Orual, Psyche's older sister, who provides a complex and nuanced portrayal of the story that is often missing from other retellings.

While many traditional ballets feature female protagonists who are used by their powerful male counterparts instead of being loved, there are also examples of female protagonists who challenge these conventions and showcase their strength and independence. As ballet continues to evolve in the 21st century, it is important for female protagonists to continue pushing back against these limitations and seeking out roles that allow them to express themselves fully and authentically.

Throughout the 20th century, ballerinas were often relegated to demure roles that did not showcase their true strength and power. These roles were designed to emphasize traditional gender roles and limit the ways in which women could express themselves through dance. In this blog post, we will explore some specific examples of how ballerinas were placed in demure roles instead of being empowered.