DDP was mentioned in the Opportunist Podcast

Northfield, IL | February 18th, 2025 | Dance Data Project® (DDP)’s President and Founder, Elizabeth Yntema, was featured in the Opportunist Podcast, where they discussed the deeply ingrained power imbalances in ballet institutions, particularly at the New York City Ballet. Yntema highlighted the ways in which these structures have long prioritized financial gain and prestige over dancer well-being, enabling figures like Peter Martins to maintain unchecked power for decades. She also underscored the failure of industry unions, such as AGMA, to adequately support dancers who come forward with allegations of abuse and misconduct. By drawing parallels between the restrictive, high-pressure environments of K-pop academies and elite ballet institutions, Yntema emphasized the urgent need for systemic reform. The conversation touched on how deeply the culture of ballet normalizes extreme physical and emotional demands, reinforcing a cycle in which young dancers, especially women, feel powerless to challenge harmful practices. Yntema stressed that the solution lies in greater transparency, stronger board oversight, and structural changes that prioritize dancer safety and equity—core tenets of DDP’s mission.

DDP was also mentioned in a second interview from The Opportunist, discussing the systemic issues within ballet institutions and how the culture of impunity extends beyond leadership figures like Peter Martins. The conversation highlighted how the ballet world, much like other elite industries, often protects its most powerful members at the expense of vulnerable dancers—especially young women. The discussion also drew attention to the lack of financial transparency in these institutions, as uncovered by DDP’s research. Despite Martins’ resignation, he continued receiving significant payouts from City Ballet, raising questions about how resources are allocated and whether true accountability exists. The interview also touched on the deeply ingrained gender disparities in ballet leadership, an area DDP continues to expose through its data-driven advocacy. Yntema emphasized that meaningful change requires more than just individual reckonings; it demands structural reform, including better oversight from boards, clear policies on workplace conduct, and a shift away from the outdated “rock star” artistic director model that enables unchecked power. While progress has been slow, increased awareness and efforts from organizations like DDP signal a turning point in the industry, pushing for a future where equity, transparency, and dancer well-being take precedence over prestige and financial gain.

View the first podcast here.

View the second podcast here.

For more information on Dance Data Project® and our ongoing initiatives, please visit dancedataproject.com.

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