The Hardcore Ballerina

Usually, when we see ballerinas out in the mainstream world—in commercials, on TV shows, in movies—they’re portrayed as either delicate little flowers or twisted, tortured souls.

Rarely, though, does the average person see ballet dancers for what they really are: totally hardcore.

My new favorite exception to that rule comes courtesy Lexus, whose TV spot “Poise” for the Lexus IS features the awesome Tamara Rojo.

Talk about a hardcore ballerina: In addition to being a superstar performer, Rojo is also artistic director of the English National Ballet. (You know. NBD.) And the ad shows her in all her kick-butt glory, zooming in on her powerful legs and feet as she bourrées at lightning speed and whips off quadruple fouettés.

The tagline? “A stronger body for greater control.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

The sad thing is that this ad was produced by Lexus UK, so we won’t see it over here in the States. The happy thing is that it’s on YouTube, so you can watch it obsessively whenever you feel like it. And believe me, you’ll feel like it.

Here’s the ad…

…and here’s a bonus clip featuring an interview with Rojo and more footage of her amazing dancing:

(For those of you now also obsessed with the song that plays during the ad—so, all of you—here it is!)