Lions in SA
Boks reject ballet challenge
2009-07-01 08:47
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Johannesburg - The Springboks have been challenged to do a ballet class to compare fitness levels.
"Maybe that way we will change this perception about ballet," SA Ballet Theatre (SABT) acting artistic director Iain MacDonald told The Star newspaper on Wednesday.
He said the ballet company had invited the national rugby team to join one of its classes and compare the payment of top players to that of professional ballet dancers - along with fitness levels.
But the Springboks were not game.
"I'm not sure why. Maybe they were afraid they would be seen in a bad light," said MacDonald.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers earlier this week defended an eye-gouging incident by player Schalk Burger in a Test match against the Lions, saying that rugby was not ballet.
"So guys who cannot take it (rugby), make your decision," said De Villiers.
"Why don't we go to the nearest ballet shop, get some nice tutus, get a great dancing show going, no eye-gouging, no tackling... and all enjoy it," he said.
SABT spokesperson Samantha Saevitzon told The Star that some Wits soccer players attended a ballet lesson last year following a SuperSport challenge to test their fitness.
"They crawled out of there," she said.
Beeld newspaper on Wednesday sported a cartoon of De Villiers dancing around on a stage in a white tutu with pink ballet shoes.