Art does not have a problem generally with nudity, it is seen in many forms of artistic expression, but ballet has been one area where nudity has made few inroads.

Sir Robert Helpman, principal dancer with the Australian ballet, had a firm avertion to nudity in dance. He succintly sums up his objection as follows

"The trouble with nude dancing is that not everything stops when the music does"

The Australian Ballet is still somewhat hesitant at the inclusion of nudity although, as the picture to the right indicates, not completely adverse. It is a photo of a performance of Jiri Kylian's Bella Figura.

There are of course praticalities to consider vis-a-vis nudity within a performance and not the least of these is fiscal in nature. Dancers in Australia are covered by the MEAA's Entertainment and Broadcasting Industry (Dance Company Award), which sets a standard "nudity allowance" of $15.60 per performance.

hmmmm $15.60? It seems to The Green Man that if you were concerned about exposing flesh in public then $15.60 would not convince you and if you weren't then it is somewhat unnecessary. Such an odd amount $15.60. How much do these performers get for a performance? Can't be that much if $15.60 would matter.