 the male dancer
written by Paul MacAlindin at on 06.05. at 11:21:27 Well, I'm pretty confused by the various postings I've read. As a young man, I did 11 years of ballet training before deciding to go for a career in music. I was blessed with parents who let me just get on with my choice. There was no motivation to do dance other than my instinct. That joy, elan, power through the air and at the barre has never left me. Its what kept me going. Wearing tights was, of course, so that my teacher, one of the great ladies in my life, could see exactly what I was doing to correct me. It was that simple. For a child to go down any path that requires real soul, commitment and sensibility is a dangerous path indeed, particularly if their environment has little time for serious culture and the development of self, inner understanding and inner spiritual power, all of which I accredit to ballet. But who wouldn't want these gifts for their child, or themselves? As a former male dancer, the experience of being very different from those around me was revealing and, of course, sometimes damaging. But very many more accepted me, than attacked me. So the issue is perspective and gratitude for my instincts, those who supported me, and receiving a gift that has informed my life and developed my intuition to a degree that is lasting and vital. Paul Answers to this message:
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