Ballet dancers take over Times Square in response to TV host’s Prince George jibe

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Hundreds of people performed ballet outside a TV studio in one of New York’s most iconic squares in response to comments made about Prince George by a US presenter .  Good Morning America host Lara Spencer provoked a furious backlash when she mocked the six-year-old royal taking ballet lessons as part of his school ciriculum.  She later apologised for the ‘insensitive’ comments which drew ire from major celebrities on both sides of the pond.  

The impromptu crowd gathered outside the Good Morning America building in Times Square yesterday and undertook a series pirouettes and other moves in support of the #BoysDanceToo social media movement.    The video was shared numerous times by other dancers who wanted to show that boys should be able to pursue their passion without the threat of being mocked by others.  

The gang of male and female dancers was led by dancer Travis Wall who was sharply critical of Lara Spencer’s comments and previously spoke about the bullying he received as a young dance student.  He said: “300 dancers showed up for a ballet class this morning in Times Square. Getting to teach young men and women and getting to share stories was one of the most beautiful mornings I’ve ever had! I love our dance community!!!  #voicesheard #ballet   #boysdancetoo   #ilovedance ” .  

Broadway actor Jordan Roth wrote: “This is epically beautiful!”  Actor and drag artist Shangela wrote: “YES! Educate the masses. It’s a NEW DAY!”    During the segment aired last week, Spencer revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s eldest child would be studying maths, science, history, religious studies, computer programming, poetry and ballet.  After Spencer said ballet, some members of the studio audience laughed, as did the presenter and her fellow host George Stephanopoulos.  

“Oh, he looks so happy about the ballet class,” Spencer said, as images of George popped up on the screen.  She then claimed William said his son “absolutely loves ballet”.  “I have news for you, Prince William: We’ll see how long that lasts,” she said. “I mean, he might.” Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now  Actress Rosie O’Donnell put a video on her Twitter account saying Spencer’s comment was “ridiculous”.  “It’s like bullying on national TV.  “Boys who take ballet are cool,” she said.  Director and choreographer Debbie Allen, who worked on 80s TV show Fame, said “this is just not cool”.  “Look at the great contributors to the world, in society. Men that have studied dance (such as) Steve Jobs. Hello.”  Choreographer Brian Friedman, who has worked with stars such as Britney Spears and Beyonce , said the presenter should be “ashamed”.