Dancers Call Out GMA Host for Laughing at Prince George Liking Ballet

UPDATE: Lara Spencer has apologized for her "insensitive comments" midday Friday on Instagram. "My sincere apologies for an insensitive comment I made in pop news yesterday," she wrote. "From ballet to anything one wants to explore in life, I say GO FOR IT. I fully believe we should all be free to pursue our passions. Go climb your mountain-and love every minute of it."

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6-year-old Prince George is headed back to school, but he's not taking the average math and science classes. Lara Spencer on Good Morning America this morning revealed that on top of the usual second-grade courses, Prince George is also studying "Religious Studies, Computer Programming, Poetry, and Ballet, among other things."

But the awkward pause after "ballet" and laughter from the hosts and audience is leading some people to believe that Spencer is taking a swing at George for liking ballet. "Prince William says George absolutely loves ballet," she smiles. "I have news for you Prince William, we'll see how long that lasts."

It's unclear if Spencer is chuckling specifically over Prince George's ballet courses or just the intensity of the six-year-old's courseload, but her focus on ballet and repeated laughs from herself and the audience has outraged the ballet community, who believe Spencer is encouraging bullying of boys who like to dance. 

In a now-viral post, choreographer to the stars Brian Friedman said the Good Morning America hosts should be ashamed of their actions "for letting public shaming of young boys happen! Growing up as a dancer I was bullied horribly which is exactly what this is. She is teaching the word that it is ok to laugh at boys for dancing and that is so sad. Just think about the young boys who may have seen this and could quit their passion at her expense. It infuriates me and I would appreciate everyone sharing this and forcing a public apology to Prince George, The Royal Family, all male dancers and all dancers in general for being so insensitive." RuPaul's Drag Race star Laganja Estranja shared the post.

"Boys dance too, shut out that laughter," said dancer Travis Wall in an Instagram video. "Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if you want to be a bully today."

Members of the community are hoping to spin it into a teaching moment and use it as a rallying call. Dance Magazine found an online petition asking Good Morning America to "produce a segment about the benefits of ballet training for young men." It currently has over 2,000 signatures. 

The Conversations on Dance podcast also had a sweet sentiment for the future, where boys hopefully won't be judged for their passions. "Imagine how wonderful it will be for the ballet community if Prince George continues with ballet. He will be able to shed more light on the art form and illustrate what it truly takes to become a professional ballet dancer. Dance on Prince George! We support your passion."

More dancers have joined the conversation: