[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?
