Now, tights are basically functional. They are unforgiving; asa teacher once said to me, they show you off or they show you up.And your teacher can see exactly how your body is placed & howyou're moving your limbs & your muscles. But in addition, it's thecustom in ballet, just like the robe & wig in court. (After all,bike shorts show as or more than tights.) And I think it's a goodidea to follow the custom. You're entering a new world here--aworld with its own values & customs. You don't get many oppor-tunities to do that in life, & it's an adventure when you do.So go for the whole experience & get the tights.
Oh...what if the experience proves a washout? What if you're sodiscouraged (& ballet can be *very* discouraging when you start)that you decide the whole business was a mistake? What aboutthose tights then? Well, men wear tights cycling, jogging, inthe gym (or so I'm told). And if all else fails, save them forHallowe'en. ;-)
And by the way, don't forget to get a dance belt to wear underthose tights (or bike shorts or anything else).
Tom