Boy ballet students in small schools can present a problem. I started classes at eight and was the only boy. The teacher rewarded the best dancer of the day with the honor of wearing a rhinestone tiarra during reverence. The first time I wore it, the girls totally giggled at me. But my teacher, who was an awesome lady, said "I think Jay looks like a prince in his tights and crown." I sure held my head up high after that!
Now the thing about recitals is that a single boy really sticks out like a sore thumb. In tap or jazz, male and female costumes can be similiar, but in ballet if there's only one boy up there and he is costumed different, the audience's eyes will go right to him. If he is trained and talented, he can be featured. But if he is a newbie, it is better if he blends in.
I was put in only one dance for my first recital. I felt so left out. I would sit on the sidelines with such a long face while the other pieces rehearsed. But my awesome teacher saw how much I wanted to dance, and she took pity and put me in two more dances with the girls. And yes, I was costumed the same as the girls.
I guess the real answer would be if more boys took ballet. But until then, boy students get more chances to dance if they are willing to dance as girls. Incidentally, it is awesome that you are a pro dancer. I am making my professional debut in December.
Jay[/i]