Male ballet student question for those who know about ballet?

Question:I attended classes for about a year when I was younger, without telling my parents, but as soon as they found out, I was no longer allowed to go. I am from the UK. They said ballet was only for girls, and even then, it was thought too prim/proper for my sisters as we were not that sort of family.

I missed it and always said that as soon as I was old enough and things like that did not matter (as an adult), I would do it, but as all dreams do go, they died, and I did not pursue it. I became a stay at home partner, and I've been consistently doing yoga and pilates, but I've also been daring and I've been doing ballet videos secretly for years.

Since I travel a lot, I have not had the chance or opportunity to have classes, but I will be able to in May, and I just want to buy the basic equipment. I just want a pair of decent shoes and tights that are suitable for a man... I don't want to be showing my man bits too much, so I'll wear a large T-Shirt! What shoes should I get?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I attended classes for about a year when I was younger, without telling my parents, but as soon as they found out, I was no longer allowed to go. I am from the UK. They said ballet was only for girls, and even then, it was thought too prim/proper for my sisters as we were not that sort of family.

I missed it and always said that as soon as I was old enough and things like that did not matter (as an adult), I would do it, but as all dreams do go, they died, and I did not pursue it. I became a stay at home partner, and I've been consistently doing yoga and pilates, but I've also been daring and I've been doing ballet videos secretly for years.

Since I travel a lot, I have not had the chance or opportunity to have classes, but I will be able to in May, and I just want to buy the basic equipment. I just want a pair of decent shoes and tights that are suitable for a man... I don't want to be showing my man bits too much, so I'll wear a large T-Shirt! What shoes should I get?

First of all I have to say, GOOD FOR YOU!!! I think it is so amazing that you want to pursue this and start dancing again, shame on your parents for discouraging you from dancing!! Anyway, as far as the things that you have picked out to wear to class, I think that these will work perfectly for you. You can wear tights, black is usually the preferred color for guys but they also have grey and white and other colors too I am sure. (A word to the wise, if you buy a light color you will probably have to wear two pairs because many of them can be see through!!) I think that it is so wonderful that you are doing this, it will really help you with regaining your coordination and help you stay in great shape : ), also most professional male dancers don't start until they are about you age, and since male dancers are in such high demand, it is really likely that if you get yourself into a professional program in your area that you could even become a professional, then you could really show your parents, huh! Anyway good luck, if you need any help or have questions please feel free to e-mail me, I would love to help in any way I can!

Ballet shoes? haha. Get split-sole canvas shoes. They fit your feet really well. Some great brands are Bloch or Capezio. You can buy either pink or black, doesn't really matter for men. A large t-shirt wouldn't help, it would probably hinder. Teachers usually prefer tight tees so they can see your lines. Anything baggy is pretty much strictly forbidden. Good luck!

Buy split-sole ballet slippers. They are most comfortable and show off your pointed toes very well. You could also get a pair of toe-undeez. They are worn around the toes and are great for help with pirrouettes.

Good for you! Ballet is totally not just for girls. The guys in my class usually wear tight black pants and a tight black shirt. sorry but baggy is pretty much out of the question because it hides the alignment which is really important in dance. If you are going to be doing some serious dancing than you might want to look into a dance belt.

Great that you still want to dance. First the shoes.... go to a dance supply store or go on the web for ballet dance shoes.. There a re so many. I alwayls like the canvas shoe. The tights for men a thicker. You can get them with feet or with out. You would sew 1 inch wide elastic to the wast band like suspenders to keep them up or use a belt and roll the waist band and belt down. Under the tights you would need a dance belt to support your man bits. Depending on how you think you look, the top should be form fitting to show the line of the body. If you think you are a little on the heavry side the large tee shirt would also work. I used the suspender system and with the shirt over the top I put on a belt to show the waist. Any form of exercixe would help you recover quicker. I wish you the best and hope youfind happiness with your dancing....