Aussie Panties in a Wad Over Gay Dance

A GAY love sequence in children’s stage fantasy Cinderella on Ice has infuriated family groups and angered federal politicians.

The Russian-based Imperial Ice Stars show — featuring former Olympic and world champion skaters raised some eyebrows at its Arts Centre premiere on Tuesday night.

Dozens of children were among the audience at the ice spectacular, which plays in Melbourne until Sunday before touring the world for the next two years.

Gay lobbyists and a children’s advocate applauded the move by renowned artistic director Tony Mercer to include the dance by two gay lovers in a scene.

This reminds me of America’s reaction in 1957 when Ballet’s greatest choreographer, George Balanchine, placed the first African-American Premier Danseur, Arthur Mitchell, on stage in the Agon pas de deux with Alegra Kent. Audience members were outraged and protested Mitchell partnering a white woman. We’ve come a long way, but have a long way to go.

Read more about Cinderella on Ice at news.com.au, or read more about Arthur Mitchell at the-ballet.com.