The Continuing Saga of Jamie's Ballet Lessons

[Note jump to the end of the thread for more recent reports]

Those of you who have been reading for a while probably remember that I started taking ballet classes last year. For those who are new or don't remember, these are classes held for adults (ages range from 18 to 60) and I take the classes in male mode (which means I still get to wear tights, they're just black and very thick, not pink).

After a near two month hiatus, I began my second year of ballet training last night. Once again, I am the only male-bodied person in the class, but nobody makes a big deal out of it. The class started off well; a number of times the teacher said "nice work" to me and one of the other students said, "You're doing a really good job. You've improved so much over when you first started."

At one point I was singled out to demonstrate a position. Unfortunately, it was because I was doing something wrong (for those with some ballet know-how, my retire had my raised foot resting flat against my other leg, instead of with the heel pointing out). Our teacher gave us a tip on how to correct it and asked me to try it that way. I did, and she remarked, "Beautiful." She also told the class that I have "pretty feet." I think I heard a few snickers then, but of course I secretly loved hearing that.

It definitely showed that I was out of practice. I had trouble doing some combinations that I had mastered last year. Also, after 80 minutes of stretching, jumping and dancing I found it hard to move. I'm still sore today! Despite all this, it was wonderful to be back at it. Ballet is a great way to get in touch with your feminine side, even if you are presenting as a male.

Is anyone else taking dance lessons right now? If so, how is it going?

Cool!

I'm beginning here in NYC at Ballet Academy East next week. I am really into the ballet (member of the nyc ballet) and it's something I've wanted to do since I was young. I'm really into dancing in general, but I've never had any formal training, just freestyle and various hippy spiritual dance rhythm type workshops, so I'm quite excited.

I was just about to sew the elastic on my shoes today!

Also I should say as a tip for all - male dance belts for ballet make great undergarments all the time. They are effectively panty gaffs with thong backs and really tuck it all away, especially if you get a size smaller than whats normal for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alana_v

Cool!

I'm beginning here in NYC at Ballet Academy East next week. I am really into the ballet (member of the nyc ballet) and it's something I've wanted to do since I was young. I'm really into dancing in general, but I've never had any formal training, just freestyle and various hippy spiritual dance rhythm type workshops, so I'm quite excited.

---

That's awesome, Alana! Ballet Academy East sounds like a good school. And I imagine in NYC there will be a few men in the class. Although, honestly, I like it when it's just me and the ladies. The few times other men have dropped by it only served to remind me that I was different from the majority of the class. I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences after your first class.

Yes Im taking ballet lessons and love to wear the tutu with the pink stockings and also involved in yoga.

Hello girls, I started ballet,tap and jazz in my early 20's and danced for 10 years till I got married. I loved ballet the best. When I turned 54 and my sons were grown I started again but just taking ballet. I take 3 classes a week for two hours each. I have always dressed in male dance clothes, but oh how I wish I could wear a black leotard, pink tights, and pink soft ballet slippers. Sometimes I have to make up classes in the girls beging pointe classes (adults and teens). My teacher has told me that if I was at proper weight and in better health she would let me do pointe work at the bar only. thank you, pointeshoes30215 Fred

After the beginners course last winter I have continued with ballet dancing. The first school discontinued the beginners class for adults, but I found a new one in time for the autumn semester. This new school offers courses for many other types of dances.

This semester I am also taking a beginners course in jazz dance (e.g. the style used in shows and musicals). It hasn't got so many "rules" as in ballet. It is equally challenging though since I am not at all used to the moves.

I'm SO JEALOUS of all of u! Unfortunately, I can't pass the "under 60" barrier!

Here's a tip to all u prima ballerinas; DON'T go to see the Black Swan! Depressing ending! Plus, did she really learn to do all those moves herself? And, after being a pirate for so long?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pointeshoes30215

Hello girls, I started ballet,tap and jazz in my early 20's and danced for 10 years till I got married. I loved ballet the best. When I turned 54 and my sons were grown I started again but just taking ballet. I take 3 classes a week for two hours each. I have always dressed in male dance clothes, but oh how I wish I could wear a black leotard, pink tights, and pink soft ballet slippers. Sometimes I have to make up classes in the girls beging pointe classes (adults and teens). My teacher has told me that if I was at proper weight and in better health she would let me do pointe work at the bar only. thank you, pointeshoes30215 Fred

---

That's so cool. One of my regrets is that I didn't try ballet sooner, but if you were able to get back to it at the age of 54, that gives me faith that I've got many good years of dancing ahead of me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CamillaCD

After the beginners course last winter I have continued with ballet dancing. The first school discontinued the beginners class for adults, but I found a new one in time for the autumn semester. This new school offers courses for many other types of dances.

This semester I am also taking a beginners course in jazz dance (e.g. the style used in shows and musicals). It hasn't got so many "rules" as in ballet. It is equally challenging though since I am not at all used to the moves.

---

It's good to hear from you again Camilla. I'm glad that you're keeping up with the ballet and stretching out to jazz as well. Right now, I don't have time for more than one class a week, but I'd like to eventually take ballet three times a week and maybe try out a jazz class here and there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by docrobbysherry

Here's a tip to all u prima ballerinas; DON'T go to see the Black Swan! Depressing ending! Plus, did she really learn to do all those moves herself? And, after being a pirate for so long?

---

I liked the Black Swan. It was intense! However, it's not for the faint-hearted and do not see it if you're looking for a feel-good movie. I thought it did a good job of communicating the kind of pressure that professional dancers are under, and that a lot of hard work and anxiety is behind those pretty movements you see the ballerinas do on stage.

As you know Jamie I took lessons for a year en femme without the wig at a dance studio specializing in classical ballet. From day one i was in a leotard and tights underneath. The only issue is the tights over or under as men wear over. Nevertheless the owner never said a thing. Her only issue was if the tights covered the leg hair. In you pictures the scoop neck leotard with the cap sleeve is also sold as a mens by bal tog, mondor, millskin etc. Putting black tights over that would be acceptable mens ballet attire so I would not get hung up on wearing leotards in class. Rivers Edge, Action Dancewear, NYC dance all have MENS leotards on their site. Rivers Edge even has a mens long sleeve leotard. You might as well get some use out of it.

FYI Lady Ellen of LeFemme Finishing School of Piscataway, NJ, who was teaching me ballet en femme in Phoeonixville, PA is no longer out there. However she did a gurls class at a location in Bristol, PA about a month ago for 4 gurls.
I did not attend. Rates were very reasonable as I think it was $25. However if you google LeFemme Finishing School Meet Up she has 3 posted pictures of her CD ballet students from her classes. Contact her if you want to do a class.

I just started Belly Dancing, as the only male in the class. I hope it will do good things for my waistline. The women are so accepting. Normally, when I try to get involved with the female activities, women look at me like I have ulterior motives. In dancing, I am accepted as a male dancer, like I've already passed the test for not being a primitive macho-man.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you a little report on class. I've now had four ballet lessons this year. After a period of feeling like I had slid backward, I made some breakthroughs in the most recent class. For the most part things came naturally; I only made a few mistakes and got back on track quickly when I did make them. I'm really starting to hear the music and move in time with it, as opposed to focusing so much on what the next step is supposed to be and how to accomplish it. And as an extra confidence boost, the teacher said that this was the hardest beginning ballet class she's ever taught, and said I did well in it! Yay!

My biggest concern these last few weeks has been... costume malfunction! :o
No, not Janet Jackson-superbowl-level malfunction (thank god), but malfunctions nonetheless. I typically wear an underarmour-style tee and men's ballet tights. Well, last week I tucked the shirt into the tights to get it to stay in place. As a result, the tights didn't grip so well and started to sag. I was constantly trying to pull them up! If I didn't, it would look like my crotch was 6 inches above my knee! This week, clever me decided to put the tee over the tights. Tights didn't sag: win! But my tee kept crawling up around my chest: fail! :sad: Honestly, I don't know why male dancers don't just wear a leotard over their tights like the girls do. It would make things SOOO much simpler. Next week, I'm thinking about wearing a leotard under the tights, but I'm worried I'll still have the sagging problem. I think maybe I need to get a unitard, but we're on a spending freeze right now. I'll keep you posted.

Before I go, I wanted to respond to something that Juno said about her belly dancing class (which sounds really cool, by the way):

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by juno

The women are so accepting. Normally, when I try to get involved with the female activities, women look at me like I have ulterior motives. In dancing, I am accepted as a male dancer, like I've already passed the test for not being a primitive macho-man.

---

I've noticed the same thing. It's possible they assume we're gay and not a threat, but I think it's more likely that they consider us more refined. I wear my wedding ring in class, and many of my classmates met my wife when she came to a few lessons with me. I think they realize I'm not gay :) . I think they respect us for being courageous enough to do things that would cause most "manly" men to melt in puddle of fear.

I luv the thread, I used to take ballet classes and it was sooo much fun!!!

When I was in college I would go to a weekly adult ballet class. I loved the femme, motions and the outfits (jealous). lol I would wear, black tights, a black leotard, black leg warmers. And over all that I had some cute oversized shirts and short grey shorts. Walking in to class was so much fun. I bought the cutest pair of pink satin ballet slippers. After class some of us would have a ciggarette and chit chat. They were so nice and encouraging!
They taught me proper femme dance positions and gave me directions to dance wear stores in the area. At times I felt like just another one of the girls. W


I think I might try and find a class. It's great exercise for your legs and buns.

Just a quick update. For the first time, I wore a leotard to class and the world didn't end! Okay, sure it was underneath the tights (in traditional male style) and then further covered up by long sleeve tee, but at least I wore it. :-) It solved my problems of the last two classes: the tights didn't sag and there was no shirt crawling up my chest.

My biggest challenge this week was on Saturday I went out to a T-gathering and wore my really cute brown boots. However, standing around in those heels for hours killed my feet. They were sore for days afterwards. I was worried that it might affect my ballet, but fortunately my feet had almost returned to normal in time for class.

Do we get to see the boots? I LOVE boots!

I started ballet when I was 16. Loved it! Took it for a year stopped for a couple and resumed in college and then when I lived in L.A. I fell out of it in the past few years as I was in graduate school as well as working full time. Now, I am getting back in shape with returning to ballet as my goal. I built a barre in the basement and have been doing barre routines in the mornings which really makes me feel sharp all day. For my basement classes, I like to mix it up from wearing more male outfits one time and female the next.

Ballet is really the only way that I can get into shape.

When I was really into dancing, I took pas de deux classes and even took pointe classes! It felt soooooooo good to actually tie on pink satin shoes over my tights and be expected to do so! A thrill to the body and mind!

I wish that I could find a school where the men were allowed to come dressed en femme. That might be more than I can expect, but if I find one, I have the clothes ready and go.

Empira

I took jazz/ballet for two years and started out in my first class in black leotard and tights, all guy, no fake tits, no wigs, and no coverups. The ladies in my class must have liked it cause they fussed at me when I wasn't in leotards. My advice to Jamie and Empira is just go for it and don't worry about it. You won't be so nervous about it after you get through your first class. After that it's no big deal.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JamieG

My biggest challenge this week was on Saturday I went out to a T-gathering and wore my really cute brown boots. However, standing around in those heels for hours killed my feet. They were sore for days afterwards. I was worried that it might affect my ballet, but fortunately my feet had almost returned to normal in time for class.

---

Darn. All the while I've been reading your thread, I've been hoping that ballet exercise might actually make it easier to feel comfortable and walk in heels. Hearing that it actually works the other way (the heels make it more difficult to do the ballet) is kind of a big letdown.

- Diane

This week in class, one of the ladies asked me why I decided to start taking ballet. I answered (honestly) that "It was something I'd been thinking about for some time, and finally decided to just try. I never would have had the courage to do it when I was younger." I conveniently left off the part about being a crossdresser and liking the fact that it made me feel feminine. :) She just nodded and said "I know what you mean. I didn't take ballet when I was younger, and even if I had, I wouldn't have tried as hard." I found her response interesting. I know that some women who might be interested avoid ballet perhaps because they don't feel graceful enough, but there's a whole other level for boys. I'm not sure if this didn't occur to her, if she was just trying to empathize, or if she was responding to me as she would to another woman. I didn't want to belittle her reasons for not doing ballet as a child, so I just nodded sympathetically and we talked about something else.

I do want to reply to something Diane said:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Diane Smith

Darn. All the while I've been reading your thread, I've been hoping that ballet exercise might actually make it easier to feel comfortable and walk in heels. Hearing that it actually works the other way (the heels make it more difficult to do the ballet) is kind of a big letdown.

---

It is true that ballet will make you move in a more graceful and feminine manner. I have definitely noticed this, although I worry that it might be bleeding over into my drab mode. However, standing on demi-pointe in ballet slippers is very different from walking in high heels. I believe most professional ballerinas try to minimize their time in high heels in order to protect their most valuable asset: their feet. That said, if you do not spend 24 hours a day in heels nor aspire to be a professional dance, I don't think there's any harm in alternating ballet and heel-wearing. Just try to stick to your more comfortable heels, especially before you have ballet class!

Jamie,
Nice that that lady in your class asked. You missed your chance to add something like, "I was fascinated at the gracefulness of the girls dancing in their leotards and tights, but was just unsure of myself to try it as a boy." You never know when you might get a direct invite to get into some leotards and tights and join them. I got nothing but encouragement.You would like being able to dress for class like that even if you could not do it enfemme wouldn't you. You will have your answer ready for next time you get the chance I am sure.

You haven't heard from me lately. We had a week off from class, and then I missed a week due to a minor family crisis. This week, I finally returned to class. One thing I've learned is that it's harder to get back into the dancing groove when you've had some time off. Although I did okay for most of the barre exercises, I really struggled when we moved to the floor. There was one dance that they had covered while I was out, and I was completely lost. I felt like such a klutz and that I was just in everyone's way. It made me kind of depressed. We're starting up a new session in two weeks. Since we always start slow for the newbies, I am hoping that the next class back will help me build up some confidence.

Have been following your story with great interest and a sense of longing as I never had the chance to take ballet and am far too old now. I admire you. Sorry to hear that you had to miss a couple of weeks, Jamie. The new session will make a difference.

Hugs,
Persephone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Persephone

Have been following your story with great interest and a sense of longing as I never had the chance to take ballet and am far too old now. I admire you. Sorry to hear that you had to miss a couple of weeks, Jamie. The new session will make a difference.

Hugs,
Persephone.

---

Thanks for your kind words, Persephone. It's funny that you talk about a sense of longing for a missed opportunity; I find myself wishing I had started when I was far younger. Although its true that both of us are too old to dance professionally, there is no maximum age for learning to dance. I'm in an adult beginner class, and the age ranges quite a bit. The class is mostly middle-aged, and there are as many senior citizens as there are people in their 20s. Based on your posts, I get the feeling that you are quite active, so you should have no problem with the level of physical activity. Maybe you won't have ideal "turnout" or be super-flexible, but you do what you can and don't sweat the rest. If you really want to try it, I say go for it. Why live a life of regret?

My S.O. and I are going to take some swing lessons. She has years on me in the art, but I want to learn!

So our new session started up three weeks ago. I made it to the first class and the most recent one, but missed the second. Almost everyone is from the previous session, and everyone treats me like I belong. Many of the ladies are even quite friendly. One nice thing is this seems to be the smallest class yet; the other night we just had 14 of us. I really prefer the smaller classes. There's plenty of room to move and you get more individual attention. Our teacher also seems to think that our group is more advanced than in previous sessions, so she's excited about pushing us harder and further. I think there may also be a little bit of sadist in her ;-).

The teacher does have a tendency to tease me a little bit because, in her own words, "as a male I have so many natural advantages." However, nothing is mean-spirited, so I just play along. She does seem to spend a lot of time correcting me, but I've heard that ballet teachers do that for students that they think are working hard and have potential. She also gave me a lot of compliments when I hit such-and-such position well. To make up for the class I missed, she encouraged me to take the Jazz class she offers right after ballet, but I declined, since I had a family to get home to.

It's been a month since I reported, mostly because I haven't danced much since then. After missing a week due to bronchitis (I'm much better now, thank you) and two weeks due to a scheduled break, I was back in class this week. As I said in my last post here, the teacher feels our class is one her most capable in recent years, and is giving us more difficult work to challenge us. The combinations involve many steps and are hard to remember. When she described the first one, I was completely lost. Fortunately, we repeated it many times, and I was starting to get it by the end. There was another that she did where I was like "There's no way I'm going to get this." But, I surprised myself and actually did okay. I at least got the major components down, although I know I messed up many of the finer details.

Jamie,
I am taking belly dancing lessons. I am the only male. I dance as a man, but wearing women's clothes, so I am actually taking the class as a crossdresser, but it doesn't bother anyone. Proper men's dance clothes are not that different, but cost more. Here is me with some of the female dancers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juno_dancer/5744182306

I realized that being a male dancer really gets you accepted into the dance group. They know you are a bit feminine, but are not too concerned over whether you are gay or straight. They only care about your "dance orientation", meaning that you are there for dance and not to look at women, regardless of your sexual orientation. It is wonderful to be accepted as a person and not just be seen as a man. In fact, I think that a lot of male dancers might have been crossdressers if they did not start dancing. For anyone that really wants to quit CDing, becoming a male dancer may be the second best way for a man to express femininity. It may even be good "coming out" therapy for those who are afraid of public expression.

For me, dancing has been incredible. When I was in grade school, the whole class got dance lessons (the disco age). I was a total klutz, and was always the last choice of a dance partner. As I have become more female, my brain function has become more balanced (get that right hemisphere in shape!) and I find myself a rather good dancer.

I was in ballet like 8 years ago. I kind of quit though after a year cause of course at my age back then of 28, I was a bit old to be trying to do pliés while turned out and you know there is the constant temptation to force turn-out.

And people call ME brave?! LOL
That sounds like SUCH a neat thing to do. . .

Have been taking adult recreational ballet classes for many years now. Taking a break for awhile now as I work through some arthritis issues I have developed over the years. Miss class a lot, but still streaching at my home barre' to ballet workout tapes/CD's. I hope to get back to class this fall, most likely with private lessons now.

Last week's ballet class was pretty much like the previous ones. I only have two things of note to mention:

1) On my way to class, one of my co-workers saw me and said "You look like you're going to work out." I simply shook my head and said "Yup." The next day he asked about my workout and I told him that I was taking a ballet class. He mentioned that he was thinking about taking a yoga class, but was worried that it might be a little weird for a guy to take it. This is the first time I told another guy I was taking ballet.

2) Our dance instructor is offering Ballet 2 after this session completes. She particularly encouraged our class to sign up for it. However, I had my doubts; I feel like I'm at the bottom of the class. Most of them can do turns, while I cannot. I asked her to tell me honestly if she thought I was ready. She said I needed to still work on my fundamentals, but said that she thought I had a lot of natural ability. I was a little hurt because I was hoping to advance, but in my heart I know she is right.

Oh, and a few responses to those of you who were kind enough to post last week...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by juno

Jamie,
I am taking belly dancing lessons. I am the only male. I dance as a man, but wearing women's clothes, so I am actually taking the class as a crossdresser, but it doesn't bother anyone. Proper men's dance clothes are not that different, but cost more. Here is me with some of the female dancers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juno_dancer/5744182306

I realized that being a male dancer really gets you accepted into the dance group. They know you are a bit feminine, but are not too concerned over whether you are gay or straight. They only care about your "dance orientation", meaning that you are there for dance and not to look at women, regardless of your sexual orientation. It is wonderful to be accepted as a person and not just be seen as a man. In fact, I think that a lot of male dancers might have been crossdressers if they did not start dancing. For anyone that really wants to quit CDing, becoming a male dancer may be the second best way for a man to express femininity. It may even be good "coming out" therapy for those who are afraid of public expression.

---

Juno, I think it is so great that you are taking belly dancing lessons. I agree that being a male dancer does help you get accepted into a group of women.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nicole Erin

I was in ballet like 8 years ago. I kind of quit though after a year cause of course at my age back then of 28, I was a bit old to be trying to do pliés while turned out and you know there is the constant temptation to force turn-out.

---

Nicole, sorry you had to quit. Certainly one has to take care of their body, and ballet can be rough on it. However, one doesn't have to be young to do it, as long as they know their limitations and are careful. I am quite a few years over 28 myself.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sarah V

Have been taking adult recreational ballet classes for many years now. Taking a break for awhile now as I work through some arthritis issues I have developed over the years. Miss class a lot, but still streaching at my home barre' to ballet workout tapes/CD's. I hope to get back to class this fall, most likely with private lessons now.

---

That would be great if you get back into it. I find ballet to be great exercise; in fact its the only regular exercise regimen I've ever looked forward to.

It's been a while since I've given a ballet update. I've been in the next session for a number of weeks now. After the last session, which was somewhat advanced, this one is more basic. However, don't get me wrong, I'm still learning a lot, and improving my fundamentals. I don't have to worry too much about trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do, or keeping up. A lot of my classmates are taking it for the first time, and that gives me a leg up. One thing I've noticed is my flexibility is greatly improved. I am about 6 inches away from be able to do a full split.

Thanks for the updates, Jamie. I'm CERTAIN u r encouraging a number of members here to try dancing. A decidedly un-male activity, as I recall.

Just a note to u and everyone:
I'm over 60 and STILL have flexibilities I developed in yoga classes taken in my 20's! Also, I don't work out any more, but do core strengthening excersizes and STRETCHES every morning, first thing! How does this pay off? I recently took a header off a chair I was standing on and badly bruised my leg. While being the first in our tour group 2 weeks ago to go down a water slide, I had an accident. I did a 180 half way down, banged my head on the side and went into the pool spinning!

In both cases I expected to come up with damage from the twisting, like a bad neck, back, knee, or elbow the following day. But, NOTHING except the sore leg and a small bump on the head! I still have flexibility. And, it must be because of my daily stretching! Try it, I think you'll feel better and be able to continue activities when others your age r couch potatoes!

Jamie, so glad your ballet classes are going well. I know what you mean by saying it's the only regular exercise you ever looked forward too. I felt the same taking class with my gf for two years. And for those two hours one night a week, they treated me like just one of the girls since I was the only guy. I so enjoyed being able to go to class in leotards and tights just like them and seeing us all dancing in front of the big mirror in our leotards. As long as you are just fitting in and not dancing a pas de deaux, I think they will be glad to have you learn the dance with them in feminine dance attire. We had a lot of fun with just a little teasing. Give it a try.

So this week I decided to drop in on a Ballet II class in addition to the beginner class that I took. I spent two-and-a-half hours dancing in one evening. The instructor has definitely stepped up the pace a little bit in the beginner class, but I think I managed to do well. During class stretches, she comments on my improved flexibility (see previous post). We had a lot of jumps and fast-paced floor work, so by the end of class I worked up a good sweat.

The Ballet II class was quite the eye-opener. First, it was cool siting outside the studio and talking with the girls who take the class. They are much more serious about dance than most of the students in the other class, at least two of them are currently dance majors with aspirations to perform in a company or become dance instructors. It felt nice to be accepted into this group, and one (who also takes the beginner class as a warmup) even told me, "It's amazing how far you've come in a short time. I'm jealous of your natural turnout. Just imagine if you started when you were younger." Still, I knew I was going to be diving off the deep end, and joked "I'm here to provide comedic relief for the rest of you."

When class started, I was placed in the middle of the barre, so that no matter which way we were facing, I'd have someone I could copy. This was a big help because the combinations were more complex, and often only given to us once before we were expected to perform them. Still, I kept up pretty well, and when I fell behind was able to get myself back on track. Where I struggled was when we moved to do "center work" which is where the actual dancing occurs. They were doing jumps and turns I've never learned so I just approximated the best I could. It looked like a lot of fun, and I long to get to the point where I can dance like that. At the end, the instructor said to me "Congratulations, you made it and did very well." This made me feel proud. I know I was far from perfect, but I did my best, and I think that I was not too bad for someone new to that level of difficulty. I'm certainly not ready to move up to Ballet II officially, but maybe by next summer I could.

I'll leave you with a slightly amusing anecdote: This happened before I class, when I was changing into my ballet attire (black tights and white performance tee). As I pulled the tights up my left leg I looked down and noticed that I still had my boxers on. :eek: Boxers would look really funny under tights, not to mention that one could get seriously injured if you dance without support! Fortunately, I was able to slide the boxers down over the tights (since one of the legs of the tights was just dangling free), slide my dance belt on, and then finally put my right leg in my tights.

I was really surprised that after my double-ballet night last week I did not feel very sore. This week was the last class of the current session, and sadly, there won't be another class for about a month. I think class went really well, seeing the intermediate class helped me understand where this was all going, and made me work harder because I really want to be able to do the jumps and turns they were doing. I'm getting better at the floor combinations, but that is still my weakest point.

In other news, I've been stretching on my own, and have now got the splits so that I am only 3 inches off the ground. While standing I can kick one extended leg to be at about 105 degree angle from the other, and I can reach up to about a 120 degree angle if I set my foot on a tall dresser.

I think it's great you are doing something you enjoy and keeps you fit not to mention the gracefulness factor. I took a class last summer, not ballet, but burlesque which was really fun. More forgiving than ballet, I don't think I have the skill for that, but a great workout nonetheless.

At first I felt a little akward being the only guy. But by the third week of the eight classes, the girls were very accepting. I think they saw I was there to dance and not to ogle them. About that third week I was wearing heels during class and we were working on a routine that involved removing your bra. Not to worry we had leotards underneath. I didn't go in full girl mode to the classes but everyone was fine as we learned different routines with glove peels, feather boas, stocking peels, and even tassel twirling. It was so much fun.

The final class was a recital for family and friends where I did perform fully en femme. It was very liberating and I'm thinking about doing it again this Fall. For any CD's looking for a fun time while dressed I would highly recommend this option. Just find a group and check with the instructor beforehand.

Wow! Impressive flexibility Jamie. Very cool.

We finally started our new ballet session. I was definitely rusty after not practicing since the last class. However, we did fairly basic stuff, so it wasn't too hard. Once again I am the only male-bodied person, in a class of about 30.

I've mentioned before that our class is held in a very strange building. You have to walk through the basketball courts to get to the dance studio. Usually, there is a class before ours in the studio, so we have to wait in a hall outside the basketball courts. So I was sitting on the floor against the wall, along with a number of women in their tights, leotards and ballet shoes, when a bunch of guys came out to get a drink from the water fountain. I don't know if it was because I was sitting on the floor or what, but these guys seemed huge. At once, I felt both a little intimidated and happy. I knew that I was more like the women both physically and mentally, and that I fit in better wearing tights in the dance class than I would have playing basketball with the guys. As far as I know, none of the guys paid any attention to me. I don't know if it was because they didn't notice me, or they assumed I was a boyish girl, or they were enlightened enough not to care if a guy took ballet. Whichever it was, I appreciated not getting stared at, or worse yet, taunted.

In flexibility news: I am now about an inch away from doing the complete splits. I think the loosening of my hips is helping with my feminine walk. I just seem to have a more graceful tilt and sway. In fact, there are times where I worry if I might accidentally be walking too girly when in boy mode! :eek:

I haven't had a chance to write much, but have still been going to dance class once a week. We actually had three guys one time (well, two guys and me). One of them even came back for a second class. I was the only guy wearing tights, but I've never heard anyone comment about them.

Last week, we were practicing a dance that requires you to travel from one corner of the room to another. We had to do it in groups of four. I was about to join a group of three ladies, when the teacher says, "No, those are the pretty flowers in pink tutus, you need to go across with the boys" (note, there was only one other guy in class at the time, so the "boys" was a very small group, also no one is under the age of 21, nor was anyone wearing a tutu). I wanted to say, "What if I want to be one of the flowers in a pink tutu?" but bit my tongue. This is the first time in almost two years where she has distinguished the boys from the girls. Fortunately, other than the grouping, there's only a slightly different way to walk, which we don't actually do very often. So while she sees me as the confident male dancer in black tights and white tee, I'll continue to see myself as the graceful ballerina in pink leotard, tights and poofy tutu.

BTW, not much progress on the flexibility front. I realized when I said I was an inch away, I did not have my legs properly at 180 degrees. I still have maybe two inches to go when I have them fully extended.

Jamie

Hi Jamie

Never responded before but I love your updates on ballet classes. I took ballet for about 3 years running in college, a few classes after and sporadically ever since. I think it's the fall weather and back-to-school feeling that makes we want to look into dance lessons again. I always felt I was an okay student but never really had the rhythm and coordination to really go at it. Of course one class a week just doesn't cut it. If I were to go back it'd be an all in proposition (pending wife approval).

I love love love the ballet, and (is evident since we're on this forum) of course all the clothes that dancers wear. In college I used to underdress in sheer tights and thong leotard under my "manly" unitard and t shirt on colder days. But after a while as you know the clothes and appearance fall away and it's your body and movement that really begin to matter. In my mind I'd be in seamed pink tights and tutu but only until barre and floor work began.

It's really inspirational to hear about the obvious roadblocks, illness, lack of flexibility, age, acceptance and in general life. I'm way past the age where I'd think of doing it full time, and have a lot of fun watching my daughter do it. She's amazing!
Please keep up the posts and keep going to class. Some of us here are secretly covetous, but mainly proud that've got the grit to keep going. I agree that ballet gave me some outlet other than dressing to express my feminine side, and I'll never forget my last class where the instructor said to me (as the only male in class) "you're dancing the girls parts here as I don't have the class time to teach both" admittedly I was thrilled. Was I picturing myself in a beautiful tutu and pointeshoes as awakened the combination across the floor? You bet!

Maybe someday I'll be able to post my class experiences here too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Darla

Never responded before but I love your updates on ballet classes.

---

Thanks for the response. I sometimes wonder if I'm posting into the circular file.

Quote:

---

But after a while as you know the clothes and appearance fall away and it's your body and movement that really begin to matter. In my mind I'd be in seamed pink tights and tutu but only until barre and floor work began.

---

I know. Once we start work, I completely forget what I'm wearing. By the way, when I first started doing it, I would keep my tights on for the rest of the night just because I had an excuse to be wearing them. But after a while, I'd get home and say, "Let's get these sweaty things off!"

Quote:

---

Please keep up the posts and keep going to class. Some of us here are secretly covetous, but mainly proud that've got the grit to keep going. I agree that ballet gave me some outlet other than dressing to express my feminine side, and I'll never forget my last class where the instructor said to me (as the only male in class) "you're dancing the girls parts here as I don't have the class time to teach both" admittedly I was thrilled. Was I picturing myself in a beautiful tutu and pointeshoes as awakened the combination across the floor? You bet!

Maybe someday I'll be able to post my class experiences here too.

---

I hope you will some day.

Hi Jamie,

It's great to see that you continue with the ballet lessons. I have also continued with mine, attending two classes each week. One is with a school located in the suburban Oslo, while the second is in downtown Oslo.

This summer the first school also offered a 7-week course for all ages and levels. Of course I couldn't resist. The teacher was the very one I had in my first ever class nearly two years ago. She told me that she could see that I had continued practising. That was a big confidence boost. So I will continue as long as my body don't complain.

It's great to hear you're keeping up with it, Camilla. I'm envious that you get two classes per week. Right now, family obligations and budget stand in the way of me doing more than once a week, but someday.... I hear that taking multiple classes is the fastest way to improve. That must have felt great to get the encouragement from your teacher.

This thread has insipred me. I've started doing ballet exercises and I feel much stronger. It's only been a couple of days but I feel the improvement. I'm mostly working on my legs with plie exercises but also will be focusing on the muscles between my shoulder blades. I've also ordered some totally to die for backseamed ballet tights to add to my dancewear collection. But now it's for fitness too.

Well good luck with your class and I like the Idea of the outfit for ballet but I am not really into Dance that much.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RiverdanceGirl

This thread has insipred me. I've started doing ballet exercises and I feel much stronger. It's only been a couple of days but I feel the improvement. I'm mostly working on my legs with plie exercises but also will be focusing on the muscles between my shoulder blades. I've also ordered some totally to die for backseamed ballet tights to add to my dancewear collection. But now it's for fitness too.

---

That's great! However, when doing ballet exercises on your own, it's important to be careful. If you do them wrong, you could hurt yourself. I hope you have a good instructive DVD and/or book. When doing plies, remember the turnout comes from the thighs not the knees or ankles. It's okay if your feet don't form a 180 degree angle. The most important thing is that when you bend, your knees are pointing in exactly the same direction as your feet. If not, adjust your feet so that they'll be under your knees.

p.s. Your new ballet tights sound great! Exercise is so much more fun when you have pretty clothes.

Thanks Jamie for the tip. I've got my instruction from carefully chosen YouTube clips but they didn't mention what you said about feet and knees. I hope I've been automatically doing it right because I'd feel a strain otherwise but I'll make sure in future. It really is amazing what ballet can do for your body. My stomach was noticeably flatter in just a couple of days. I've always had the blessing of being naturally skinny but in the past few months I'd been developing a bit of a belly. Right now it's as toned as when I was in my late twenties ( I'm 44 now). I'm also doing the arm position exercises. The tights are Mondor style 301. The seams go from the waistband right down to the reciprocated toe. I can feel the seams under my feet when I move and it feels exquisite. They are the fully footed, which as I'm sure you know is hard to find with a backseam. All my ballet tights are Mondor. I wear them with my simple black short sleeved leotard. I really envy you for going to real ballet classes and being accepted by the women as one of them.

So after a three week hiatus from class (due to a combination of illness, business trip and the class schedule), I was back in class this week. I was a little bit rusty, but felt like I did okay. At one point the teacher said to me, "You have such pretty feet, you need to make them move more." (I wasn't properly pointing them between each step of a movement known as a balance).

To make up for my absence, I took the jazz dance class that is just after the ballet class. I've never taken jazz dance before, but it was really fun. This was very contemporary, we warmed up to some techno music and then learned a dance to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." At one point, the teacher taught us the "Vegas step," presumably named so because it is staple of Vegas showgirls. She joked, "I doubt {my male name} will ever be asked to perform the Vegas step, but we'll learn it anyway." The whole time we practiced the step I was picturing myself in a showgirl costume. I learned a lot in the class, and have filed it away for the next time I perform in a drag show (I've been in two shows for charity). I look forward to taking the class again next week.

Jamie I am happy for you enjoying ballet and I am somewhat envious of anyone that can dance. Last time I tried to dance it was not a pretty site.

I have always wanted to do ballet, but never actually thought about doing it until now. Looks like I have some research to do...