I believe that an answer to this, and what Mr. Ballet is driving at is:
There are, unfortunately, many people who post here who are NOT ballet dancers at all, but, rather, simply men who love wearing tights and leotards and who are drawn here to this board because of it. AND that they post messages to such extent.
Now, to perhaps contradict myself and to be honest here as well: It was because of the NECESSITY of wearing tights (you're correct on this one Ballet Boy!)and the fear I had of such....after all, it is still regarded as quite a feminine bit of clothing!...that I stayed out of studying ballet for most of my early youth. Horrible! But, for the love of the dance, I eventually overcame my fear of the garment and began classes in Manhattan, NYC.
Frankly, I still feel it is quite a "feminine" garment to wear. But, no matter what my feelings are about tights and even wearing a leotard, when I dance or rehearse, the garments become nothing but the ONLY fully functional uniform to wear.
I don't know, I'm kind of tired at this time. I hope my post is both understood and stops the quarrelling here.
Martin.[/i]