Jamie's Ballet Lessons

[JamieG]

Those of you who have read my earlier thread (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?124279-Report-from-My-First-Ballet-Lesson) know that I've been taking ballet lessons for nine months now. Although I attend as a guy, it's great to be able to engage in such a feminine activity.

Well after a six week hiatus, class resumed again last night. The first thing to note is that there is another guy in the class. It's funny when I first started I felt weird being the only guy, but now, there's a little part of me that resents having him there. Don't get me wrong, I introduced myself, and he seems like a nice enough fellow. Still, maybe having him there reminds me that I'm one of two guys in the class, instead of just "one of the girls."

We did the usual warm-ups at the barre, followed by some center work and allegro (fast movements across the floor). It was clear that I was out of practice, and I received a lot of corrections from the teacher. I am still a little sore today from working muscles that rarely get any use. I've got a pretty good hold of the vocabulary and can do most of the moves individually, put still get confused at times when we have to put them together in a sequence. Although it gets frustrating at times, I'm still committed to taking classes for the foreseeable future, and am starting to think about taking two classes a week.

[Laura Evans]

Learning something new is never easy but it is well worht it in the long run. Stay motivated and keep at it girl. By the way your still one of the girls.

[JamieG]

For those who are interested, I'm still sticking with the ballet. I just completed my fourth lesson of the session. The "other" guy has not shown up since the first class, so it's just "us" girls again. I had a moment in class tonight where I was struggling to get anything right, and I stopped and asked myself "What am I doing? I'm just wasting my time here!" However, later in the class I nailed a few positions and combinations, and regained my confidence that I am making progress. The teacher really worked us tonight; maybe she was a little sadistic, but I think its a positive thing to be pushed to our limits. So far, everyone has been very pleasant in class. I've gotten to know many of the regulars and we typically exchange a few pleasantries before and after class. Not once has anyone asked "Why are you taking ballet? Why are you wearing tights? Are you gay?" I think they see me as someone with a common interest, and respect my courage to buck convention.

I so badly want to get good enough to be able to get out on stage (my class doesn't do recitals), even if its just a community ballet production. I don't even need to wear a tutu (thankfully, since I don't think any self-respecting ballet company would want me in one). Of course, if I had the opportunity to dance as a ballerina I'd jump at it. I don't suppose the Trocks need any middle-aged men?

[JamieG]

It's been a while since I've given an update... I had another ballet class tonight. It seemed like nothing was going right. The teacher was constantly telling me "You're doing it wrong, do it this way. No, still wrong. Again!" I couldn't seem to remember the combinations and was falling behind in the steps. I was really frustrated! Then we started doing our center work, which is where I usually struggle. It went better than usual, and I got a "Nice job!" At the end, the teacher tells me "Great work tonight. I think this was your best class yet!" :eek: All of a sudden I went from doom and gloom to beaming! :D It turns out she was being hard on me because I've got the basics down; now she's working me to iron out my mistakes. There are few people in my regular life who know I'm taking the class, so it's nice to be able to share here.

[Rachel Morley]

The first thing to note is that there is another guy in the class. It's funny when I first started I felt weird being the only guy, but now, there's a little part of me that resents having him there.
I know exactly what you mean. About 10 years ago, I used to do step aerobics and I was the only guy in a class of 20 women (btw I wore a leotard and fitted shorts) I loved the fact that I was the only guy (same thing happened to me in my French class after all the guys quit after a month) anyway, after a few weeks a guy started to come to class. I was bummed. I really liked it when he wasn't there because the GG instructor would often address the class as "ladies" and say things like "ok ladies, and step once, step twice and over" etc you get the idea. The first time she apologized to me but then I say "no, that's ok, it's fine" she stopped correcting herself. Anyway, the guy attending really made a difference to my enjoyment.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think you are very cool for going to ballet classes! You rock!:)

[Jonianne]

Jamie, I know exactly how you feel when the instructor gets on you when you are working so hard on something you are new at and enjoy. When I first started my artistic roller skating lessons in figures and dance as an adult, I felt so bad sometimes when she would be constantly correcting me, I would have to fight the tears. But, then she would usually find something good to compliment me on, too and that would make me feel better.