Is Ballet and Opera Really Outdated, Timothée?
Why are both art forms important and how people are reacting to the statement.
by Zara Abiog ★ April 9th, 2026
Design by: Maia Simmons
Marty Supreme actor and Kylie Jenner’s current partner, Timothée Chalamet, has been in hot water since the airing of Variety’s interview with Matthew McConaughey and Chalamet on February 21, 2026. During the interview, viewers were quick to notice the remarks Chalamet made that came across as dismissive toward the theatre and ballet community — he exclaims, “And I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera or anything that’s like keep this thing alive even though no one cares about this anymore.” However, seconds after he blurts this out, he realizes and is faced with instant regret as he says, “Damn, I just took shots for no reason.” Nonetheless, this moment sparked discussion across different platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and X as well as amongst different artists.
Below are reasons why these art forms are relevant in today’s society and how viewers reacted to the statement.
Why is it important
Ballet and theatre are foundational art forms that have shaped and continue to shape culture. According to the International College of Musical Theatre, performing arts serve as powerful forms of self-expression, education, and creativity. They give individuals a way to communicate emotions and ideas that can’t always be put into words, helping people build confidence and an understanding of themselves and the world around them — a valuable lesson that could help one thrive in life, no matter the career. These art forms keep creativity alive in the increasingly AI-fication of today’s society, offering a space for imagination, innovation and genuine human connection.
Incorporation of the art in his role as Marty Mauser
In an interview with Margaret Gardiner for the release of Marty Supreme, released two months prior to the Variety interview, Chalamet talks about the training needed to replicate the movement and choreography of the art [of table tennis]. He mentions how studying the gestures of the sport’s greatest players, such as Hugo Calderano and Timo Boll, helped him immensely. However, he did not stop there. He recognized the work and movement of respected names in the ballet world, Mikhail Baryshnikov and George Balanchine, as well. This just comes to show that movement — in any art form — is universal. It can range from a Grand Jeté to a forehand drive or even stage blocking.
In the same interview, Chalamet reflects on how ballet has shaped him, describing himself as a “venn diagram” of the best cultural influences of the 20th and 21st century: “My grandmother, my mother, my sister danced in the New York City Ballet. I grew up dreaming big backstage at the Koch Theater in New York,” experiences that continue to inform his movement, artistry, and approach to performance — and his role as Marty Supreme is no stranger to this.
I mean, can we just take a moment to remember little Timmy Tim in Romeo & Juliet looking like a little cupid, please.
People’s reaction
Despite the controversy this statement may have caused, many have turned this situation into a humorous one. Below are three of my personal faves:
Luna Montana. Social media influencer and ballerina Luna Montana, along with her friend Kara Covaleski, a freelance ballerina, posted a video showing their reaction to Chalamet’s loss at this year’s Oscars. Dressed in traditional ballet outfits, they were seen clapping and grinning as Adrien Brody announced Michael B. Jordan had won Best Actor for his role in Sinners. The video garnered nearly two million views and over 370,000 likes on TikTok. I say well-deserved.
Discount codes from theatres. A post by the Music Center in Los Angeles read, “Use code CHALAMET to save 20% on ballet tickets,” accompanied by a poster of dancers gracefully arching into a Cambré. Many fans, myself included, praised the company’s marketing team for this witty nod.
Released clip of Chalamet in Romeo & Juliet. On March 17, 2026, following a public outcry over Chalamet’s controversial remarks, The Library for the Performing Arts released an Instagram post of the actor seen participating in a ballet production. The caption reads, “A little archival moment for @tchalamet” and “took the stage in the ballet Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Jacques d’Amboise, captured here in footage preserved at NYPL’s Library for the Performing Arts.” This subtle callout had no right to be this comical.
Theatre and ballet remain essential to maintaining cultural richness and artistic expression. While Timothée Chalamet’s comments may have been controversial, on the brighter side, they have brought renewed attention to these traditional art forms.
Edited by: Bree Lauder-Williams