Ballet and Opera Are Dead? Uh...No.

In a recent Variety interview, actor Timothee Chalamet claimed that “no one cares” about ballet and opera. Don't believe me? See for yourself below:

In a recent Variety interview, actor Timothee Chalamet claimed that “no one cares” about ballet and opera. Even stating to “try to keep it alive.” 

Although his statements might be opinion-based, everyone with a creative heart and mind could agree on one thing. 

He’s definitely wrong. 

If you think otherwise, let me explain a few things. 

With a world full of AI, people turn to look for a more lively way of storytelling. Something real and raw. It presents something that connects audiences, reduces stress, and boosts your mood. Watching a dancer move across a stage or hearing a voice fill an entire theatre without a mic? That’s not something you can scroll past in two seconds. 

And it's not “irrelevant” as people think. Ballet and opera are still being reimagined today, modern choreography, diverse casting, etc. It’s not just old traditions sitting in the past, it’s art thats adapting, just like everyone else. 

This is not just making fans upset, but celebrities as well.

At the 2026 Oscars, Chalamet faced some heavy roasting over his comments. The host, Conan O’Brien, joked that "security is extremely tight tonight" due to concerns about "attacks from both the opera and ballet communities" in his opening monologue.

Even THE Misty Copeland made a surprise return from retirement and danced during the performance of “I Lied to You” from the film Sinners, along with the cast. She also had expressed in a recent interview that it was “very interesting” he made those comments, given that he invited her to help promote his film Marty Supreme. She criticized him for dismissing ballet and opera, stating he "wouldn't be an actor" without them. She says that he "wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star". 

But also, be honest with yourself for a second.

Have you ever actually sat down and watched a full performance? Or even a clip longer than 10 seconds? 

Because it’s easy to say something doesn’t matter when you've never really experienced it.

At the end of the day, ballet and opera aren’t just about being fancy or old. They're about feeling something real in a world that’s starting to feel more artificial by the day. 

And honestly? That sounds pretty relevant to me.