Last night, climate activists stormed the stage at the New York City Ballet, halting a performance mid-show. While their cause—climate justice—is urgent and necessary, their method raises serious questions. When does protest become counterproductive?
Art is not the enemy. Ballet, theater, and live performances are sacred spaces where humanity processes emotion, politics, and beauty. Disrupting them doesn’t shame corporations or governments—it alienates the very people who might otherwise support the cause. Imagine someone finally taking a night off to experience culture, only to be lectured instead. Is that effective outreach?
Climate activism needs disruption, yes—but aimed at the right targets. Blocking oil executives, occupying lobbyist offices, even shutting down stock exchanges would make more sense. Art is already under siege from budget cuts and dwindling audiences. Why make it collateral damage?
The fight for the planet is real, but so is the fight for culture. Let’s keep protests where they belong: in boardrooms, not ballet halls.
—DanceWAMI Team
