Let me say that I had no idea male ballet dancers could move like this. As a person who appreciates athleticism and artistry, I'm impressed. As a straight man, now I need to go watch some hot girl-on-girl action to reaffirm myself.
(If a female dancer is a ballerina, what do you call a male ballet dancer? One time I asked my wife. She answered, "A prop.")
Conor Mckenzie on Twitter
Thank you and
@LaFemme for sharing these two amazing dancers. Simply beautiful. The make it look so effortless. And that's the beauty of their dancing, because in reality it's anything but.
To get to the level of proficiency demonstrated by these two young men, consider the YEARS of training involved. That begin at a young age. Hours of instruction and practice each day. Not much time off for much else. Total focus on the sport.
How about missing normal activities because you have to practice. Or perform. Again. And again. Living away from home to improve your skills with better/different instructors/mentors. Who may be key to you getting an opportunity or break you need. Or deserve. There is a lot of politics in the dance world.
Now, add in the job of staying healthy. Dealing with injuries. The rehab. The pain. The intense competition for roles. And recognition. Knowing that very few of those who start out will achieve their ultimate goal of dancing professionally. Yet they somehow persevere.
Then there is the financial burden on a young dancer's family. It can be an expensive sport. Especially for those who seek to become the best in the sport.
The dedication to the sport of dance, especially for a man, is like no other IMO. It takes a real man to make it. Strong. Mentally and physically. And for a lot, if not most male dancers, there's the stigma. Being stereotyped as fey. Feminine. Looked down on as less of a man. Being made fun of. Called names, like gay and pansy and fluffer and the like. Bullied. Beaten up. All because you chose to dance.
These two particular gentlemen are ultimate athletes. As are most elite dancers. Who make it look so easy. And effortless. When it is anything but. That, IMO, is a man's man.