As for chest, back and arms, I've been lifting between 100 and 120 pounds in every training session and for legs, around 60. I had developed very strong muscles and because of this I have to be very careful with my diet. If I don't watch myself I will start looking like a wrestler more than a ballet dancer.  Anyways, I have no problems with my extentions, splits and jumps, but will continue with the weights since I am use to mix this with my ballet exercises.

As for the thong leothards,(which are bought by my girlfriend, cause she believes I look great in them, as well as the females partners in my studio ( and I am being very humble about this and don't want to sound what so ever like a fetish lover, because I am not, I wear the thongs leo's over my tights,some times. This is something that should not worry anyone.  I respect this career and will never do anything to offend neither the art or the ones who practice it, and wearing the thongs over the tights should not be consider, by anyone, as something disrespectful or degrading. I see it as a matter of comfort and I believe that is the way it should be taken, with out even thinking about any second intentions of a twisted and perverted fetish-lover mind. So far, my way of thinking about my manhood is clear enough and wearing tights, of any shape and type or color, over or under my tights will not affect my male thoughts.

Anyways, I think is good for you to go to the gym and believe, don't worry about how heavy your weights are. Do as much as you can and don't try to go further to show any one nothing. With the time, your muscles will let you know (and a certified trainer too) when you can increse the weight of your weights and believe me, you will see how it will  help when you have to lift up your dancing partner.

Johny V.

Johny,>You said some really wonderful things in your letter.  There are postings on this board from guys who love ballet, but don't like wearing tights, and think they're a necessary evil.  And there are postings from guys who have a fantasy obsession about them.  I think most guy dancers like tights, think they're cool, but aren't hung up about them, one way or the other.  What's wrong with a thong leotard as long as you wear it under your tights?>How heavy are the weights you use?  I go to the gym too, mostly for upper body work to help with lifts, but I use fairly light weights.  I feel like a wuss sometimes when I see other guys working out with much heavier weights.  But I've been told that male ballet dancers shouldn't bulk out too much.  I'm genuinely interested in in feedback on this.>Joe