I understand from impeachable sources, that that costume had a special support for the lower back, so it was a bit more than a dancebelt. I think Edward has admitted to lower back problems, and his x-rays have been published in medical journals. Or so I've been told.
Despite that, Villella's performances motivated my love for ballet. His masculine approach, his strength, his forceful nature! I saw his performances on public TV when I was young, and wanted to do that! I was priviledged to take a master class from him when I was in my twenties, but probably was a clutz because I was (and still am) in awe of this master of ballet!
The male body, in dancebelt, tights, unitard or naked, doing ballet is what is important.
balletboy[/i]