This week and next, Lehigh University campus will have an incredible opportunity to have a wide conversation about the topic of Beauty, book ended by the lens of performing arts, and with a NYTime author.
Tonight at 7pm, Jane Comfort and Company will present their work, "Beauty"
From the company's website:
Beauty is a provocative dance theater work exploring the American notion of female beauty. It frames the dialogue of the cultural pressures surrounding women’s physique, attire, and appearance around the quintessential image of American beauty: Barbie.
Movement vocabulary is derived from an investigation of Barbie’s limited, robotic abilities contrasted with a fully expressive dance vocabulary. Beauty includes a Barbie beauty contest and an intimate encounter between Barbie and Ken. During the course of the evening, we become acquainted with the performers as Barbie dolls, as contestants, as characters with beauty aspirations, and as the dancers behind all these personas.
Of course, this bit of information led me to some important research.
I came across a website for all of the career options that Mattel has given our fair haired creature.
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| Arctic Rescue Barbie |
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| President Barbie (comes in different hair) |
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| Swim Champion Barbie - who needs a puppy. Note the tiny pink trophy |
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| Chef & Waitress Barbie (Apparently, she runs the entire restaurant at the same time) |
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| Pancake Chef Barbie - specific culinary skills? or repurposed "domestic bliss" set? |
This is but a sampling. Gymnast, Babysitter, Baby Doctor (with different hair styles; i.e., blonde or brunette), Nurse, Nursery School Teacher (with play set), Pet Vet (redundant?), Actress, Track Champion (these sports themed dolls must have been inspired by the Olympics), Tennis Player, Skier, Splash and Spin Dolphin Trainer (not kidding), Magician...
What was most interesting to me on see these cataloged on their merchant web site was the text below the images:
Barbie “I Can Be…” Boutique
Welcome to the Barbie I Can Be Family page! Our I Can Be Barbie line is designed to inspire your daughter to discover her dreams through a variety of empowering career-themed roles, from the nurturing Pet Vet Barbie doll to the geek-chic Computer Engineer Barbie doll.
Choose from a fabulous variety of Barbie I Can Be dolls that allow your daughter to play the part of a young girls role model! If your little girl wants to be a big screen star, she’ll love the Barbie I Can Be Movie Star doll. You’ll find exquisite examples of the many directions your girls career can take, from a talented chef to a stylish news anchor. Your daughter is sure to be inspired by the Barbie doctor, Barbie ballroom dancer, Barbie Ballerina, and other beautiful Barbie I Can Be professions.
Shop Barbie. And think pink!
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"GEEK-CHIC" gave me an idea. Don't worry Barbie, all of those careers you have tried that have left you feeling wanting for more aren't your only options. Here's the one that will fulfill all of your earthly desires and give your life direction. You're welcome.
