I can remember one instance of an outsider expressing his views to me about guys that dance. I was at my best friend's brother's Bar Mitzvah and had once again taken control of the dance floor. After I returned to my table, my best friend introduced me to her Uncle. She explained how we met doing a show together and how close we have become. I noticed her Uncle giving me a strange look. "So, you're into theater"? He finally said. " And I see that you're quite a dancer, but have you remained straight?" What kind of a question was that? I didn't know what to say. Since when does being a male and being involved with the theater or dance make you gay? This really irritated me.

Only in America do boys feel that the

of them. Daniel is a high school sophomore who never got to experience the passion that he held so dearly-ballet. Instead, he fell into the pit of normalcy and took up sports such as weight lifting and Tae Kwon Do, which are more "masculine." Male dancer stereotypes played an important role in Hile's choice not to dance. "Ballet just isn't something that a lot of guys participate in," Hile explained. " In my close-minded and conservative home town the stereotype of guys who take ballet is that they are assumed to be homosexual. It is not at all accepted in my town." Many exceptionally talented adolescent boys have strayed away from dance as a whole because contemporary society as a whole has become less understanding and accepting of this "strictly feminine art form." The constant taunting and teasing has led to a decrease of males following their dreams and their heart(www.Idnews.com).

into individuals. One thing I know for sure is that if you have a strong enough drive to succeed, you will. Boys and men overcome the criticism that comes with the world of ballet, art, and theater for one reason- the love of art.

I am disgusted by the number of males who are constantly discouraged from dancing because of an ignorant community opinion. Daniel Hile being one

As ballet was becoming a feminine art form, many distinctive male dancers were determined to bring men back onto the playing field. Auguste

often overrated. I think that more people are accepting of it then they want to admit."(www.Idnews.com)

I was involved in the variety show this year and I happened to have done a dance number with one of my good girl friends. As we were practicing in the commons, my friend "Mike" watched from afar. After we completed our dance he pulled me aside and said, "You looked really feminine." "Mike" is on the football team and I think it would be to his advantage to take a couple of dance lessons. Lynn Swann, a wide receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers, took ballet lessons to help him in football. Ballet provides a tremendous sense of balance and is more masculine than it appears. After practicing for a couple of hours, you will begin to feel your muscles ache the very next day. "We're in ballet rehearsal and class more than football players are on the field," said freshman ballet major Adam Hundt. "We work hard and love it." Adam is from Dayton, Ohio, and has been dancing for 13 years. As a child, he was constantly tormented and watched as others around him quit what they loved and moved on to sports. With the help of his supportive parents and his love of the arts an

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