The University of Minnesota’s dance program “ritually” covers up mirrors to liberate students from traditional expectations about ballerinas, which are rooted in “white supremacy,” according to its instructors.
The public university’s dance department works to combat “negative body standards” through its programs by helping students develop positive body images and avoid eating disorders, The Minnesota Daily reports.
Dance teacher Laura Anne Virtucio told the campus newspaper “white supremacy” has influenced the way society believes dancers should look and act.