As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Good Morning America host Lara Spencer was at the center of a controversy after laughing at Prince George (aged 6), the future King of England, for taking ballet classes.
"Prince William said Prince George absolutely loves ballet. I have news for you Prince William - we'll see how long that lasts..." the host said in a segment in which Spencer reports the "buzziest stories of the day" in Pop News. She goes on to laugh at the thought of the prince taking ballet classes.
Lara Spencer has now issued an apology for her comment on air during Good Morning America, and the Broadway community is reacting. Check out responses from Jerry Mitchell, Telly Leung, Nigel Lythgoe, and more below!
Brava, @LaraSpencer - and thank you for showcasing these 3 wonderful role models in the dance community on @gma. This conversation will touch so many hearts and give courage to so many who just want to dance their hearts out. https://t.co/x4ZDOC9sl1
- Telly Leung (@tellyleung) August 26, 2019
More of this!!!! #fullout Apology accepted. #justbe https://t.co/CcRGriZfXD
- Jerry Mitchell (@jammyprod) August 26, 2019
The beauty of this is that we've started a dialogue and perhaps somewhere outside of NYC where this is accepted some mom or dad might let their boy dance and not be afraid. Visibility. Education. Forward movement. ???????? keep dancing boys!!! https://t.co/YkNP2QtQDj
- ChristianDanteWhite (@dantechristian) August 26, 2019
Thank you @LaraSpencer & @GMA ? https://t.co/ODyUyL0ek3
- Max Clayton (@MaxMClayton) August 26, 2019
Although, I think the issue was less about "dance" and more about the flippant mockery of a boy who doesn't categorically fall into what is deemed "masculine", I applaud @LaraSpencer for stepping up, owning her words and for her willingness to learn. https://t.co/N04RgbWULu
- Joe Aaron Reid (@joeaaronreid) August 26, 2019
Maybe a thoughtless, insensitive moment might end up educating a few people. Thank you @laraSpencer for your apology.
- Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) August 26, 2019
This is how you make an apology and learn and grow and bring people together. Thank you @LaraSpencer https://t.co/6epsbQbYWe
- Jesse Swimm (@jswimm1) August 26, 2019
I have to give credit when credit is due. Thank you @GMA @LaraSpencer for apologizing and realizing your mistake. And YAY to all the boys out there who dance, sing, perform, act, paint, write, sculpt, and just be. Bravo to anyone who follows their heart.
- Raymond J Lee (@raymondjlee) August 26, 2019
What a movement.
I have time for anyone who says "Mea Culpa" - we all make mistakes. I'm proud of @LaraSpencer, and in AWE of this loving, forgiving and glorious action taken by the dance community. https://t.co/c5xtoym8HH - Alexandra Silber (@alsilbs) August 26, 2019
Yes! Thank you! Well done, all. @LaraSpencer this is great, meaningful, and human. Now, get on the dance floor, boys!
- Andrew Lippa (@lippaofficial) August 26, 2019
Kudos to @traviswall @robbiefairchild and @fabricecalmels for speaking up and out and being willing to reach out to bridge the gap, educate and unite. An example of what our nation needs to do on a larger scale. And you wanna argue that arts aren't powerful and important?
- Shoshana Bean (@ShoshanaBean) August 26, 2019
TRUTH!
- Max von Essen (@MaxizPad) August 26, 2019
In response to Lara Spencer's comment, over 300 dancers from the Broadway and dance communities gathered together for a morning barre class in the middle of Times Square just outside of the Good Morning America studios. Check out Robbie Fairchild, Travis Wall, Alex Wong, Garett Hawe, and more celebrating being male dancers!
Boys Dance Too ? #boysdancetoo
A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall) on Aug 26, 2019 at 6:30am PDT
Came out of retirement for this one... #boysdancetoo
A post shared by Stephen Brower (@stephenbrower) on Aug 26, 2019 at 8:09am PDT
The NY dance community does not play. They showed up this morning like ??? #boysdancetoo @LaraSpencer @GMA @traviswall pic.twitter.com/X08dcmB0yW
- Erica Dorfler (@ericadorfler) August 26, 2019
Videos