I bought myself some new dance tights for my birthday, and debuted them in my class this week. Normally, mens tights are black. However these tights from Wear Moi are grey and also quite soft, especially compared to the scratchy mens tights from Capezio. I was a little self-conscious in them, as the light grey tends to show not only muscle tone but also every bulge.
We only had 8 people in class, which meant we each got personal attention, but also meant that the teacher worked us really hard. We had a week off, and I think it showed, 'cause was a little rusty. I got more corrections than kudos, but at least she liked some of my work. There was one combo at the bar that had some fast footwork that I had trouble with. But when we repeated it to the other side, I was told that I did much better. She also liked my developpe during a slow combination on the floor. We did pirouettes again, and I think I took a step backwards. She even tried to help me by giving a push as I began my spin. Our last dance was a combo that ended with grande jetes (running leaps) across the floor. Sometimes I got it, and other times I found myself leaping off the wrong foot.
Despite trying to drink plenty water, I had a few muscle cramps during class. And by the end, I was sweating profusely. So I guess I at least got a good workout, even if my dancing wasn't as beautiful as I would have liked.
BTW, Katey except in very small towns you should be able to find a school willing to have a male-bodied person in class. Most instructors and serious students realize that ballet needs more men and they tend to be very encouraging. After all, isn't the UK the home of Billy Elliot? Or you could just go as Katey, which would probably be more fun!
