This post comes to us today from our regular Guest Blogger, Will.

Will is a college student just entering the world of dance. He has admired ballet his whole life, and this summer he decided to take a class.  He has been hooked since–he now does ballet, swing, and occasionally folk/contra dancing.  While Will explores other modes of dance and movement, ballet is his favorite, and he is never happier than when he puts on tights and slippers and enters the studio.

The biggest questions for males beginning ballet often revolve around the dress code. Let me use my experiences to dispel a few myths and shed some light on the subject.

First point: always ask your school what the dress code is! In most cases, they can help you find what you need.

Question: Do I have to wear tights?

Answer: No!

In many cases, tights are not required. They are usually recommended though. This recommendation is not frivolous — they will allow both the dancer and the instructor to better observe the muscles, and they help keep muscles warm in order to prevent damage. Also, they may help you get in the ballet mindset. In other words, don’t knock ‘em until you’ve tried ‘em.

Question: Do the girls laugh at you?

Answer: Maybe, maybe not.

If they do, wait a class or two. They’ll get over it. Keep in mind that once in class, your mind should be on dancing. The same holds true for your classmates. I find that most girls respect boys for dancing, let alone dancing ballet. Besides, who else would be around to lift them?

Question: What should I wear to class?

Answer: For starters, ballet shoes are almost definitely a must.

Make sure they are fitted by a professional so that you get the best fit you possibly can. Also, I highly recommend wearing tights. Even if they are not required, they show the instructor and your classmates that you are serious about the class.

Question: I need to wear tights for my class. What do I do?!

Answer: Tights take some getting used to, but once you are used to them they feel extremely natural.

Of course, most guys do not know how to wear tights, so here are a few pointers:

1. Make sure you get a dance belt in your size to wear underneath - this is to prevent hernias and make clean lines.
2. To find the right size, ask for help! It’s best to buy your first tights in a store so that someone knowledgable about dancewear can help you out.
3. Ballet tights have a high waist so that they can be worn underneath a vest for performances. Pull them up as high as they can go, then fold them down over a elastic belt or just a piece of elastic with the ends tied together. Or, attach elastic like suspenders. This will ensure they don’t sag during class.
4. Tights come with or without feet. Whichever one you choose is totally up to personal preference.

Question: What do I wear for a top?

Answer: There are a couple of options for this one.

There is always the plain old t-shirt. Leotards are classic. For men, leotards are worn under the tights, and, like the dance belt, use a thong back in order to avoid making lines under tights. Ballet shirts are always a good choice. A ballet shirt is a shirt made from leotard fabric and is very form-fitting. They are also very short, which makes them easy to tuck in. Finally, you can go with a unitard. A unitard is basically a pair of tights and a top rolled into one.

Question: What is a dance belt?

Answer: A dance belt is an athletic supporter for male dancers.

It prevents hernias and keep lines from showing up underneath tights. Most dance belts use a thong back for the latter purpose. Many people recommend quilted dance belts, since they are less revealing than the unquilted variety.

Question: Where can I buy tights/leotards/shoes?

Answer: Most stores that sell dancewear will have mens’ items.

It’s best to call ahead and check before driving anywhere, though. Many stores keep a few items in stock but mostly place orders with dancewear companies for specific items that customers want. The Internet is also a fantastic resource for dancewear.

Images:

• by Ojo de vidrio on Flickr
• by Aeioux on Flickr