My Son Loves Ballet but My Husband Worries about Social Stereotypes

[erasure]

Truth to be told, I'd be somewhat concerned if my son would have expressed interest in ballet at a young age.

That's on one hand.

On another hand - I have nothing but love and admiration for something like this;

"Spartacus, Mark Crass."




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYKdg5O_9pg


"Spartacus ballet, Spartacus."


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Y5kenGWK4




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRP70t6T5do


But these are the gods of ballet.
And nope, not gays.



So yes, it's a tough call.

[Westside Mommy]

Yes, I appreciate your honesty that you would be concerned if your son was interested in ballet. That is
only natural to worry about teasing and being too different from other boys his age. In our case, we had a
son who was already being teased about being girly so it was a tough decision…

Sculptor, thanks so much for posting… you made me day!

I love your attitude that if a boy feels more comfortable in panties— good for them, go for it! Ballet
class is demanding, takes a lot of discipline at such a young age and I think that anything that makes a
male dancer enjoy class more is fine… But, but, but wearing panties could affect how a young boy feels about
himself or ballet class. Boys at age eight start to worry whether loving ballet makes them gay. As adults,
we may feel it is silly to worry about that but they are just kids and their feelings must be considered.
Our son was worried that the bullies he goes to school with might see a picture of him dancing in his ballet
slippers.

I disagree that there’s no “girl’s underwear.” My DH was concerned about the friend wearing panties because
of the potential social nightmare if the wrong kids at school were somehow to find out that he wore girl’s
underwear… even if it’s only for an extracurricular activity three times a week. I know, I know… seems
unlikely anyone would ever find out but you never what you will be able to keep secret and that is a risk.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

OP, just ask your husband to pay close attention to the advertising on TV. Lots of men are making a very good living by being talented dancers.


Your son loves ballet and will most likely add free style dance to his talents and who knows? Maybe he will discover Irish clogging which is quite the masculine sport.


As for boys and panties, I would try to find satin or silk boxers in children's sizes. It is much more likely to be the feel of the fabric and not the style that the kid wants. Cotton briefs aren't the softest fabric and maybe the kid has sensitive skin. I suspect that it is much less likely that the kid only wants to wear female clothing.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

And adding this: ballet training has huge value for a guy that is serious about playing football.