Attitudes Towards Women Have Not Improved, Says Ballas
Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has announced her intention to expose the bullies within the ballroom industry. The 63-year-old believes that attitudes towards women in the industry have not improved since she started in 1967.
'Name and Shame' Approach
When asked about the presence of misogyny in the dance industry, Ballas replied, "Yes for sure, 100 per cent for sure, and I don't think it is much better today. I still think that bullying goes on. There are a lot of great people in my industry, but we have this handful of misogynistic people with egos that just will not deflate." She also expressed her frustration about how these individuals manage to get away with their behavior, stating, "I don't know how people get away with it until it becomes 'name and shame,' and I am pretty much close to doing that, I'll tell you."
Personal Experience with Bullying
Ballas, known as the Queen of Latin, retired from competitive dancing in 1996 before becoming a leading coach. She revealed that she had been targeted by bullies just before landing the Strictly job in 2017. Speaking on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, she shared, "I was going through immense bullying in the industry from men at the top. They were stopping my work and making threats to certain couples, saying, 'If you train with her, we are going to make sure you don't make it in the industry.'"
Overcoming Adversity
Despite the challenges she faced, Ballas remained determined and grateful for the opportunities she has been given. She said, "Thank you to the bullies because you gave me a platform and a job which I sincerely love and adore." The judge has previously spoken out about the abuse she receives on social media and has even hired an assistant to filter hateful messages.
Shirley Ballas continues to be a trailblazer in the dance industry, using her platform to shed light on the issue of bullying and misogyny. Her bravery in speaking out serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges.
