Real Men Can Dance

[@gregj831]

I had wanted to take ballet my entire life and began lessons at age 40. The physical intensity of it is no joke. I played football throughout high school and also wrestled and always stayed in excellent shape. I stayed with ballet with 4 straight years and moved on to intermediate. I am absolutely drenched in sweat each time I do a class. I would strongly recommend this form of exercise to any fitness buffs out there. What is really cool about it is that as you progress and begin to string the movement together, the level of your cardio increases in vast proportions. It is an absolute high when you begin piecing stuff together. I would compare doing fast moving center floor work to how I felt as a tailback and getting to run the ball about 4 straight plays. Your constantly trying to manage energy to hit a move.

[@PaulKapow]

I started class at 32. Thanks for sharing your story - Paul

[@gymnastix]

Greg--I wanted to take ballet classes and become a professional ballet dancer so much when I was a boy. But, sadly, I allowed my fear of being bullied at school (for being discovered to study what was then more perceived a "sissy" pursuit for males, with the wearing of tights, leotards, effeminate-appearing footwear, etc.) to overtake my passion for ballet and dance. And so, my career as a professional ballet dancer was a dream never fulfilled. After reading your post here about how you, as a guy who played some very masculine-perceived sports in school but also took ballet classes later in life, I hope some other boys and men reading your post will also become inspired to pursue their interest in or love of ballet or even of dance in general. As you and I both well know, ballet is an intese and strenuous athletic form, nothing at all "sissy" about it on once one experiences the tremendous amount of stamina and work involved, as with any form of athletics seriously pursued. And I say to any boy reading this as well to any parents of such boys interested in studying ballet (whether for a recreational pastime or for consideration of a serious career), don't let others ruin your dreams. Pursue these dreams, as the bullying and initial hurdles only lasts a short time in one's life compared with the lifetime of fulfillment that achieving your dreams will provide you. I finally took a modern dance class at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst when of traditional college age, at 20 years old. I enjoyed it, but was too busy with other studies plus much time spent as a reporter and editor at the daily university newspaper, my major in journalism. I eventually had a career a a music journalist, lasting about a decade, transitioned into forming my own garage-punk band, wherein I was lead vocalist and songwriter, playing clubs in the Northeast U.S. as well some recordings released, that also lasting a decade, both of those careers supplemented with other employment. I took beginning ballet classes when I was 30 y.o. for a few years, at three different schools, including Boston Ballet. Then I resumed ballet at 40 y.o. at Boston Ballet again and at Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA. All were excellent experiences. But I was already too old to ever be considered for professional level, which was kind of discouraging. The ballet helped a bit with my movement on stage with my band, some Mick Jaggerisms already within my natural ability anyway. My last go-around with ballet I was taking classes mainly for the love of the art, plus for the cardiovascular and weight loss, in combination with gym workouts, including running on treadmill, stationary bicycle, some Nautilus stations for targeted muscle groups, as well free weights and bench-pressing. You are absolutely correct the strenuousness of ballet is intese, a perspiration-inducing session every time. But I also never felt so physically good my entire adult life as I did at 40 y.o. taking ballet class once per week (sometimes twice a week) plus gym workouts three to four other days per week. I was both a gym rat and a balletomane in my middle-aged life. But then I injured my femur (not from the ballet classes, I think from forgetting to set back a weight at a Nautilus leg-press station at one of my regular YMCA gyms) and after recovery never resumed my exercise regimen. Big mistake. Eventually my body atrophied, plus with becoming a couch potato and eating crap food along with diseases of aging (including arthritis, cancer and heart disease), to where I am now basically immobile and at a crossroads of sink or swim. I am going to have medical treatments, hopefully have my mobility restored and resume gym workouts as soon as I am able. I may even resume ballet classes again, in my 60s, if you do not think that would be pushing the exercise too much. Of course my level will be further diminished, simply by the physiology of aging. But the idea is to just keep moving as best one can for as long as one can, even if only walking a few miles three or four days per week. As many have learned, and I should have known better, too stationary a lifestyle and stagnation equals premature morbidity. I may even resurrect my old band, but with a different attitude of only performing and recording, no more sidetracked chemical indulgence. By the way, with the intermediate ballet, Greg, were you ever able to participate in a ballet production or recital? At beginning level ballet, I never had the opportunity to do so. Also, just out of curiosity, what were your Body Mass Index (BMI) vitals when a high school wrestler and football player versus when you were taking ballet classes at age 40? When I was 40 and taking ballet with gym workouts, I was just about at the upper range (189 lbs.) of normal BMI for my height of 6' 1". I weighed 195 lbs. before the injury which led to my cessation of exercise. My goal back then had been to get down to about 165-170 lbs. So I still had about 25 to 30 lbs. more to decrease weight. Had I to live my life over, I would have ixnayed the journalist and rock & roll careers (the latter especially, with its occupational hazards of booze and drugs - I indulged both quite seriously) and instead devoted my life to a healthier pursuit of an art with athleticism, begun taking ballet classes when a young boy of about six or seven years old, eventually asked my parents to be enrolled full-time at a dance academy (a boarding school for ballet or else one for all of the arts, as I love all of the performing arts anyway--dance, drama and music) and then pursued a professional career as a male ballet dancer. That is how much I love ballet, the closest a male human being may get to attaining flight without assistance of mechanization. I respect your perspective expressed in your post here, as you are one who has experienced both traditional male athletics (football and wrestling) and the non-traditionally male athleticism (in the West anyway) of ballet, although the latter increased much more for boys these days, thanks to what has been called the "'Billy Elliot' phenomenon" and also a greeter appreciation of gender diversity among younger generations, for who ballet among males is no longer so widely perceived as a feminine pursuit. I think all athletics and sports (even the very brutal one of boxing) have aspects of art, beauty, science and sensuality to them. But ballet and male gymnastics remain my favorite forms of athleticism, ones involving grace, skil, and strength.

[@vishnunaidu6806]

@@gymnastix tap

[@robertcarroll2021]

My son is 8 years old and just began ballet. I knew early on that he loved dance and movement, as we danced together all the time starting as a baby. We still have dance parties on Saturday nights in our living room where we dance to house, or whatever we think sounds good at the time. I have introduced him to a wide range of music, including big band swing, jazz, house, RnB, funk, classical, country, rock, and anything to which you can move your body. I grew up loving to dance, however my freedom of dance took me to clubs in Chicago and beyond. Whether it was punk, house, or techno; I loved to dance and it was a form of my self expression. While I did not dance ballet, at the age of 13 I began bike racing and I did wear tights in the form of cycling shorts and long cycling tights for winter riding. I also began shaving my legs at the age of 15 for cycling and swimming. My highschool was not the kind of school that this was acceptable, and I endured years of ridicule and bullying. But the more bullied I got, the more I rode my bike, and the faster and stronger I got. It still hurt and I believe the wounds from that period are still healing. I would eventually find myself going to Colorado from Chicago every summer to race my bike in the Rocky Mountains. Call it a summer intensive for cycling!! But alas, every fall I would return to my school to be made fun of and called every derogatory name in the book. But I never stopped riding my bike, or wearing my tight shorts, or shaving my legs. My son loves to dance, he is not afraid to tell people he dances, and he is an inspiration to his friends that know nothing about ballet to find out about ballet. He impresses me with his dedication and passion for ballet and for dance, he takes tap, as well. Never stop going for your dreams, if it makes you happy please do not stop, for life is too short to look back with regrets, always look forward knowing that the passion in your heart is stronger than the words any person can hurl at you. I mean damn, you should see how unhappy some of the people that made fun of me are in life, let alone the one or two that committed suicide. Morbid, yes, but there is perspective there. I will never give up on my son that tells me; "Dada, I just want you to know, I am going to be in ballet for the rest of my life. I just love ballet so much!"

[@Kevin59834]

Your already a great parent by the bond you give to your son which is in the long run what he will appreciate the most. Dance is a calling you cannot ignore, and once you begging your journey amazing things happen. Friendships experiences and the nurturing of a care free soul is built. Dance is life keep at it and watch your son become a brilliant dancer, best choice you could have made in supporting his dance calling!

[@roberts2080]

Now a days you should hopefully not have to worry about the bullying. I dance and my friends (who are all guys) actually enjoy seeing me dance😂😂 hope your son is doing well with his ballet.

[@nicolemontalvonicolemontal1881]

Dad you are an inspiration to your son! Continue to be that for your son! And I know you will. Thank you for your beautiful testimony to go after what you love . No matter what comes at us!

[@AvalonMorley]

+Robert Carroll I'd be interested to know how it's going with your son's dance study. I hope he's in an excellent school, and still enjoying dancing.

[@robertcarroll2021]

Avalon Morley, my son is doing well in his ballet school. The school he is in just moved into a new and bigger/better studio space. He is in preparation for his first edition of Cinderella in early spring with the youth ballet company he is with, and then immediately into the school's spring performances. He is taking two boys classes a week plus the other 5 classes he takes, one is tap and one is dance conditioning. It's a lot of time he puts in, I don't mind the intense schedule, but he goes up and down about it sometimes. The great thing about dance is he is learning so much about personal responsibility, being part of something bigger than himself, the ability to express himself, learning how to focus and maintain fortitude when he needs to perform, strength of character, and on and on! Thank you for asking about him and on his progress!!

[@simonsmatthew]

In a number of countries male dancers are now starting to outnumber females in ballet schools. As said on the video, it seems to a spillover from the popularity of street dancing among the young. Exciting times. Its good for men and its good for ballet. We could start seeing a real shakeup in the ballet world and some fresh and great new ideas.

[@3thanfub]

so inspiring for a young male dance such as myself

[@TheDCGypsy]

Great seeing Jory Hancock and James Clouser who I worked with dancing Caliban and Carmina Burana 30 years ago with the Houston Ballet. Continued success gentlemen.

[@jochenstossberg5427]

How inspiring this is. Terrific and uplifting. Go for it guys - I always wanted this and was never allowed to even consider it.

[@Dane_Youssef]

It is comforting and reassuring to know that more and more men are getting into ballet. Not just as mere viewers, but into the art form itself. Boys are getting into ballet. They're getting into ballet classes, into ballet tights and slippers. This is sign that maybe humanity may evolve to something worthwhile after all. For the longest time, there was a total absence of males in this field. I guess this is progress...

[@petroniaskho]

I only did beginner ballet as a boy, along with gymnastics, figure skating and hockey, yes. It's a great base in self-discipline and rigour that works for any other sport of performing art. I loved it and can still dance now, at age 50!

[@gregghanson6095]

As a former UA faculty, I have huge regard for the School of Dance, the excellent faculty and facilities. Our culture needs to continue to grow up about male dancers. Most people have no idea how difficult it is and how hard these students work!

[@AC-hi7ur]

I think men are wonderfull when they decide to dance, I think the body of the man is a master piece of nature.

[@derweiheitletzterstuss4461]

Thank you

[@ryanwilkes3171]

Looks like a wonderful program! God bless y'all!

[@richardcleveland8549]

What an amazing and inspiring program. Fabulous to see so many young men taking part. Kudos to UofA for supporting dance and dancers in this way, ESPECIALLY men!

[@richardcleveland8549]

Watching again, loving it again . . . .

[@xilovekpopandmakeupx]

They're great! I wish we had more male students at my ballet school.

[@delavalmilker]

These young men, moving with such grace and strength, is amazing to watch.

[@guerramarioalberto]

Fantastic. Kudos to them and the UoA.

[@terribrad24]

I am so impressed by the control they have over their bodies

Wonderful!!! 😍 As a dance teacher i just can dream about a dance class with only male dancers! .... (Seems like not possible in Hamburg!...)

[@richardcleveland8549]

Back for a third viewing . . . more impressed each time. A great, great pity there aren't more public universities that take dance so seriously and elevate it to such heights.

[@loverevil777]

That´s true, my cousin is guy and he takes ballet lessons in Canada,and sometimes people doesn´t get the idea of a man wearing tights and dancing but for example in the countries that you mentioned he is really appreciated as a performer and great athlete at the same time.

[@Corbs_]

I'm 15 and I'm on my mens ballet journey, wish me luck!

[@gbantock]

How I wish that ever in my life I could have had that freedom and security of movement. It must be so exalting! (Alas, I have double-jointed knees, which axed any idea of dance!)

[@gbantock]

Wow! Up to 50 publicly performed productions a year! That would be reason enough to retire to Arizona, if one lived in the U. S. of A. Of course, here in Québec, dance, with lots of excellent males in the art, is abundant, too, in Montreal.

[@emilianopadilla2104]

I don't dance ballet, I do ballet, I live ballet, I love ballet. And I am straight! That is why ballet is so magical, no matter who you are, if you want to you can do it :D

[@gabooper]

it's so funny to me how boys dancing ballet in the US is seen as weird and places like Europe, Russia, and South America it's normal and encouraged.

[@MemeLord-x7y]

You sound like an American

[@MemeLord-x7y]

That sounds like something an American would say

[@IlyaKuznetsov]

Just perfect!

[@bloodandwinearered]

This university appears to have a very strong dance program.

[@anglosabroso]

Wow...I did not know this about my alma mater. Another outstanding reason for Wildcat Pride! Bravo, y'all!

[@silenusut]

Good variation... Subbed.

[@bonniefranklin6097]

Well done.

[@ditiano]

Love it. :) good way to go UofA. Julio

[@twotaunties]

Love men in tight pants!

[@CoxJoxSox]

"fancypantsy" - love that prof - he seems great to work with

[@fireflymiesumae]

Dancers like this are called gay but in reality it's not like that

[@pheeku6996]

Do men in ballet have also restrictions about their weight and body height like women?

[@leandrocaceres7242]

Es simplemente bello!...

[@CoxJoxSox]

Why Arizona?

[@williamtj21]

Can someone tell me the first piano song? It's so pretty!

[@huldaadriyannah1633]

Fabulous!

[@Majeed.]

This is so beautiful

[@Warri0rCat123]

1:47 That one guy next to the window XD 'Lalalallala' But really, this is awesome! :)

[@QueenOfDreamsXxX]

How awfully bad I'd want to go there oh my god

[@jeffsazli]

secretlyyyy.. i enjoyed this.. ha!!

[@q2breath]

Wow, the level of "diversity" in Arizona is amazing!

[@morganzmo]

I will strongly recommend to use a different wording for the title of the video clip. Is off putting, Beside that,the information-effort-quality-approach-about male dancer is quite very good , and one more thing hast to be included into this info-approach : the technique used is a classical ballet technique modified for men. The University of Arizona’s School of Dance is considered one of the top programs in the United States and England for this kind of performing arts.

[@whalewatcher13]

the magnificence of dance

[@BIjimmy1961]

THANKS

[@Ciesiam]

I have a couple of concerns here. While I absolutely love dance and wish more men would be involved, it’s their technique that I wanted to bring up. It looks as though these danseurs are lifting their arms instead of lifting their chest to bring up their arms. I was also looking at their legs being lifted instead from the hip.

[@TheZacman2]

FYI I do ballet and am not gay. Ballet is a fully gender inclusive performing art. Thank you.

[@kiniburk]

Maybe we will finally catch up with other parts of the world like Europe, Russia, Cuba for example where it's normal for men to dance.

[@elleromanovafermanpevel2127]

without flexibility and extensions , theres nothing

[@michaelgrandepienno4809]

I like dancer gays mmm

[@mendicantbias9827]

I

[@elleromanovafermanpevel2127]

all of them

[@RUSIKful]

The first dancer, pull your toes and lift your legs using just your toes, you'll get better calves and straightened legs as well.

[@elleromanovafermanpevel2127]

his flexibility , extensions

[@Njoofene]

Thanks for the video. The boys are amazing. I'm pretty envious about the floor. I could just lick it.

[@OfTheMindscape]

Real men can dance? What about fake men, can they dance? My friend is a fake man and he dances really well.

[@normalguycap]

This title is stupid. Are you a figment of my imagination? No? Congratulations, you're real! It should be men can dance ballet which we already knew.

[@swflpromotions]

Im a dancer and im a guy.....i do ballet all the time and im not gay

[@gabooper]

Many people say it's gay. What's gay about lifting girls in skintight clothing? It's not like male dancers have to chase a ball around in spandex with a bunch of other old men, now that would be ridiculous! Oh wait...

[@philipsrosemond]

The training of these young men illustrates hug problems in classical ballet education as a whole. Though I think it is (a) wonderful that they are attracting men, but they are doing them a disservice. They are training Cecchetti oriented neo or demi-classical ballet. Not -classical- ballet. There is a huge difference displayed by dozens of examples of this in this video. To lump the newer subgenre of ballet altogether is why Americans are lagging in producing world class dancers. This is likely true because their teachers themselves didn't have an adequate education in the field. Indeed, if you read the CVs of the prof.s of dance at U of AZ, you will find that none have higher than a high school education, but tons of practical experience: the fact is they don't really know much about what they are teaching besides having danced themselves. How sad.

[@Lorenzo-be1nm]

What in the world is a "REAL MAN"?..... "Real men can dance"..? What is an "unreal" man then?....

[@youssefsahli5750]

Be a real man and go back to school then

[@s3ntin3l60]

Joke.

[@nneto910]

i want to be a gay man

[@gymnastix]

Your stated goal of a desire to become a "gay" man is not too difficult a goal to achieve. Please read and then practice from the following instructions-- Some Saturday evening simply walk in to the rest room of the nearest nightclub or tavern known to be frequented by human creatures known as "homosexual males," remove your pants (including underwear), throw both of your legs over your head, spread your buttocks apart by holding each ass-cheek with the corresponding hand and scream (nay, squeal) "Do me, baby!" as loud as you are able. After the first penis has entered your anal cavity and you obtain a rock-hard erection and achieve an orgasm unlike any you have ever experienced before, you are then a homosexual male, my lad. After that there is no turning back. You may also find you will, henceforth, become overwhelmed by the desire to orally manipulate the penises of other males and/or have other males reciprocate with your phallus. This is quite normal for the statistically abnormal. So please just ride with it. I think you will be amazed how quickly you will adapt to this behavior, as if you have been engaging in it the whole of your life. So many other males have had the same experience. Good luck! P.S.--If you have any difficulty with the "rock-hard" part of the aforementioned instructions, I hear tell the playing of some music known as "disco," listened to with an increased bass setting of one's media player, may enhance the achievement related to "rock hard."' There is also now, evidently, a medication in the shape of a small, oblong blue tablet one may obtain with a prescription issued by one's physician, which will also assist in the achievement leading up to and progressing from "rock-hard."