Boston Conservatory to Timothée Chalamet: We Care About Ballet and Opera

Timothée Chalamet might be nominated for an Oscar this year, but the Berklee community is taking what he says with a grain of salt. In a CNN/Variety town hall last week, the Marty Supreme star said he "doesn't want to be working in ballet or opera," which "no one cares about" anymore. Those in the classical arts immediately started clapping back on social media in response, including students from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, who responded with "I care," "Ballet is an art form that allows us to process the human experience," and more.

NBC Boston interviewed Dr. Isaí Jess Muñoz, the conservatory's chair of vocal arts, who said, "There has been absolutely no decline in interest for our programs here. Opera isn't fading; it's evolving, engaging with the issues of our time, and inspiring generations." 

In fact, Boston Conservatory is staging Time to Act this April, a contemporary opera that explores how young people confront grief, violence, and the urgent need for change in the face of school shootings. The show, which debuted in Pittsburgh this year, will be the opera's New England and collegiate premiere.

John Lam, associate professor and 20–year veteran of Boston Ballet, was "genuinely sad" to hear Chalamet's comments, noting that actors, singers, and dancers are all artists, "with a long-standing tradition of respect across genres, each one enriching the other." 

The comments do have a silver lining, he notes.

"What this moment has done is reignite dialogue about dance and the performing arts. If anything, it has placed our art form back into the cultural conversation—and for that, I welcome the opportunity to remind people that dancers matter, opera matters, and the arts matter."

What keeps ballet relevant, Lam says, is that "The form carries centuries of tradition, yet it is constantly evolving through new voices, new stories, and new ways of moving. Artists today are taking bold creative risks and creating work that resonates deeply with both longtime ballet audiences and those discovering the art form for the first time."

His nonprofit, Lam Dance Works, bridges the gap for emerging dancers and choreographers by providing opportunities in Boston to develop their artistry in an intimate yet professional environment alongside professional dancers from around the world. "By nurturing new voices, we ensure that ballet continues to grow, evolve, and remain relevant for generations to come," he says. 

Their upcoming show, FORWARD, features six world-premiere performances that include alumni choreographers and student dancers. 

For those who might be intimidated by classical arts, Lam says, "Be brave. Be curious. Be open. Ballet ultimately belongs to everyone. Movement lives within all of us, and ballet is simply one of the most beautiful ways we have learned to shape and express that movement. I always encourage people to reimagine what ballet can be. It is not only about tradition—it is about transformation."

Watch the NBC10 interview below: