Sunday, November 11, 2007

Boys 'n Ballet


By Kirsten Scott

Romance readers are rather, er, old fashioned about their men. They like them big, strong, and alpha. No whimps or nerds need apply. Though we'd like to think the genre isn't limited by stereotypical male/female roles, this is one place where you don't see a lot of variety. Tall, dark, and handsome still describes most of our heros.

I've been thinking about this because my son just started taking ballet, and he's really enjoying it. He's young, still in elementary school, and not exactly the most graceful thing on the planet. He got interested in taking lessons because last year my daughter's ballet school put on productions of the Nutcracker and Peter Pan. The Nutcracker, if you haven't seen it for a while, involves an army of toys battling an army of scary mice. Peter Pan involves sword play, pirates, and flying.

Suddenly, ballet looked pretty darn cool.

But here's where I put my gender stereotyping on the line: it's making us a little uncomfortable. (Okay, it's mostly making my husband uncomfortable. I happen to think male dancers are HOT.) How many men do you know who dance? Read a romance lately with a male dancer as the hero? It's all well and good for us to say we're open minded and liberal when it comes to women assuming male roles, but when it comes right down to it, do you think a male dancer (a ballerino?) can be masculine?

What do you think? Could you send your little man to the dance studio and put him in a pair of tights and ballet slippers? Could you read a romance with a hero who was a dancer? Why is it so easy to open our minds to stereotyping when it comes to women, but so hard when it comes to men?

44 comments:

Gillian Layne said...

Actually, I can think of the most sensual scenes with the gorgeous male dancer learning the intricate dance steps with his partner, or proving his worth to ballet leader who doesn't want to let him join her troop (or whatever they're called) :)

I couldn't write it, but I'd love to read it!

doglady said...

Oooh, Gillian, what a great story line! And I bet you could write it too! There was a ballet troupe attached to the Mozarteum and to the opera company so I got to see a lot of men in tights. (SIGH)Even lived a sexy/comedic scene where we had to sew a guy back into his tights, in a very strategic place, during a performance. In addition to being some of the sexiest guys I have ever met, most of them were very decidedly hetero! I believe the technical term would be "horndogs?" And why wouldn't they be? They were extremely aware of every inch of their own bodies. They had to be to do some of the things they did on stage. They also had complete control of their bodies. I will tell you that the wives and girlfriends of those male dancers I knew were VERY happy ladies. I will confess that my fellow divas and I loved to stroll behind those dancers on our way to rehearsal - tight jeans on a male dancer who walks like moving sex? Nuff said!

Anonymous said...

Gillian, I LOVE this idea. Can I have it? ;-)

Hey, if enough of you can get into the dancer idea, I know what I'll be writing next!!

Anonymous said...

Doglady, I figured you'd have a chance to see a lot of men in tights in your day...and yes, I've got the visual (giggle)--thanks!

I did a YouTube search this morning for clips of Baryshnikov and OHMIGOODNESS, that man is amazing. You forget if you haven't seen him for a while, but really. Absolutely amazing.

jo robertson said...

Great fodder for a topic, Kirsten!

When I think of male dancers, I always remember Gene Kelly, Singing in the Rain. People usually think of Fred Astaire as the better dancer, but I was in love with GK. Must've been all those muscles LOL.

Kirsten, my grandson Max, who is five, also loves girly things. Probably because he has an older sister. We have darling pictures of him in a tutu. I think men tend to have a problem with that more than women, but actually my psychology major daughters say it's very normal.

My heroes. Hmmm, I have to say I like them tall, dark, and handsome (like my husband). But Boyd also is a terrific dancer. When we were younger we won dance contests, but it was all HIS skill. I'm clumsy on two legs, but when you have a great partner, it doesn't matter.

Deb Marlowe said...

In college my roommate had heavy metal posters on the wall. I had a lifesize poster of Barishnikov. Whoo, boy. That man does it for me. I've been in lust with him since I was 16 years old.

I think dancers can be incredibly sexy, as doglady says, they are so physically aware and in control.

As you can see, you sold me! Now, selling an editor or marketing--that's another story. :-(

Buffie said...

Can a dancer be a hero?? H-E-L-L-O!!!!!! Of course! Just think about all those muscles in their legs and arms and what they can do with them :)

And Barishnikov, that man is something else. Just like Deb, I think I have been in lust with him since high school.

Jennifer Y. said...

I think male dancers can be sexy and masculine...that being said, I have never read a book with one as the hero...but I have seen movies (Center Stage...I think that is the title).

I do like Gillian's idea though!

Oh, and we went to my niece's ballet recital last spring and in the entire ballet school there were only 4 males...that's about 4 out of 100+ dancers.

Cassondra said...

Male dancers are HOT. And the thing is, a good many of the biggest, most hunky football players learn their grace and athleticism--at the ballet bar. That's right. Nothing like ballet for balance, agility, and footwork.

I truly hope you're able to get between your son and your husband's discomfort with your son's chosen art. Without some amazingly gorgeous men up there on that stage, who's gonna toss the ballerina into the air?

It's like cheerleading. I feel bad for the first guys to brave that field--we had to call them "yell leaders" and let the girls be cheerleaders. NOW it's less sexist--after all, watching the guys on the cheerleading team toss the girls around and catch them is pretty darn breathtaking, dontcha think? And the "macho" guys sitting in the stands aren't getting to do that stuff.

I've had to deal with sexism a LOT because I've worked in male dominated fields my entire life. I hate to see a true love of something--an amazing art--smooshed because of some social stereotype. Good on your son for going for what he loves.

But more important--good on YOU and your husband--for bringing up kids who can choose based on their gut instead of on fear of what society MIGHT think.

I just read in the paper that a professional ballet company is performing the Nutcracker just 20 miles from my house on Dec 1st--it's a small town arts council grant-funded thing. I'm so EXCITED! I've never seen it live. One day maybe your son will be up there dancing the role of the prince!

Anna Campbell said...

Kirsten, great post. And the photos were even better! I love photos of all that grace and power - makes me think of my cricket blog from yesterday!

I've adored ballet since I was a toddler and I think it gets a bad rap from people who don't know anything about it. I well remember a silly thing they did on TV here a few years ago to test which sportsmen were the fittest. They had a Rugby player and a runner and a soccer player and a cricketer and a body builder and (huge laughs from the audience) a ballet dancer who was clearly there to provide comic relief because he was going to be weak and wimpy and fall to pieces after the first test. Guess who won! By a grand jete! Actually speaking of that particular ballet dancer, he's now starring in Dirty Dancing in London and may go to Broadway and he's absolutely gorgeous. His name is Joseph Smith although he may have changed that (he was originally Josef Christiansen).

Deb, I was madly in love with Baryshnikov too. I saw him (past his prime sadly) when he came to Sydney with a modern dance troupe. Oh, man, he still has more presence than nearly any other artist I've ever seen (maybe Nureyev compares - he just burnt up the air in the theatre with one of those wild Russian looks from his amazing eyes).

And Kirsten, this may be the start of a wonderfu life for your son. All the hetero male dancers say they joined the ballet class to meet girls and believe me, they did!

Pam, love the idea of sex in motion for a dancer's nether quarters (going all Regency here!). And Gillian, you HAVE to write that story!!! I got goosebumps at the thought of it!

Cassondra said...

Oops. Spelled barre wrong.

Ha. Can't ya tell I went to wine tasting last night? My mind's still at the baaaaaaaaa.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Buffie! Another Baryshnikov groupie! ;-) Yay!

Actually, another story, one of Australia's top ballet dancers grew up in Perth which is a pretty macho place. He used to hide his ballet shoes and tights under cricket gear in his sports bag at school so he wouldn't get teased. Isn't that sad? He grew up to dance all round the world in lead roles. Now that's a pretty amazing life. And he was straight as... Not that there's anything wrong with that! Snork!

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Oh, I got to see the Nutcracker for the first time live last year, my BF got tickets and said he enjoyed watching me more than the ballet. I was enthralled by it all, but ladies, those dancers are the bomb! Talk about your muscles rippling, they were everywhere. I don't know how it happened, because I don't have that much of a problem with the stereotype male thing, but my son managed to develop some stereotypical thinking despite me. He doesn't see his dad often enough for him to have got it from him, and besides, neither one could be called a great talker, it had to be from his buddies.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Oh, hit enter too soon, yes, I would read a romance with a male dancer as hero. One of you talented ladies go write it, I'll wait......................................................................................

Annie West said...

Kirsten,

Actually I did read a romance many years ago (a Silhouette, I suspect) where the hero and heroine were ballet dancers. He was tough and powerful and emotionally threatening - worked a treat (G)!

I understand totally the ambivalence about a son enrolled in ballet, since I live in Australia and boys here aren't supposed to know there's such a thing as dance until they meet girls. However, having done a little ballet myself years ago and understanding some of what's involved, I'd have to say male ballet dancers are some of the strongest (mentally and physically), fittest and sexiest guys I've seen. Good on your son for having a go at something that, frankly, is a lot of hard work! I hope he soars.

Annie

Helen said...

Male dancers are very sensual to watch the way they move they are really strong. My nephew did a lot of dancing when he was younger and there were lots of comments about whether he should or shouldn't but he always enjoyed it he then eventually ended up going to a performing arts high school and has just had a part as an extra in the Nicole Kidman movie they are filming in Australia he also works as a personal trainer in a gym. I say if that is what they want to do let them, people do tend to sterotype people but dancers have great bodies that are good on the eyes and if they are happy then they are usually nice people as well.
Great post Kirsten
Have Fun
Helen

p226 said...

If anyone's going to challenge the stereotypes it'll be you guys. John Wayne and Clint Eastwood wouldn't be caught dead in tights. But that was the era where Men were Men and women were in the kitchen. But then, that's the perception, no? Believe me ladies, if the perception were that women found dancers in tights sexier than a Harley riding, corvette racing loner that lives by his own rules, Harley Davidson would be selling point shoes.

But it all starts with the writers. Movies start with the writers. Novels start with the writers. Everything points back to you guys.

Believe me, if popular culture told us that wearing pink bunny ears got us the ladies, we'd do it. And it's writers that tend to define these things for us.

Christine Wells said...

Hi Kirsten, wonderful post! I laugh at the idea you can somehow mould a boy into a tough guy just by choosing his dress and the activities he does. From what I can see, it's nature, not nurture and I'm more concerned with my son's ultimate happiness than his sexuality. I know that's trite to say, but it's true. Good on you for supporting your son's wish to try ballet.

Mmm, male ballerinas are hot! Sexy and powerful. Just think of all that stamina! And flexibility!!

Actually, I think anyone with a particular passion and skill makes a good hero or heroine--you just have to find the right way to tell the story. Look at SEP and her Chicago Stars. Athletes as heroes never sell, huh?

Susan Sey said...

Kirsten--
I love this post. I was talking to my husband on the way to church about it this morning. Parenting really forces us into uncomfortably close contact with our true selves, doesn't it? When you see your kids screw with gender roles -- be it ballet dancing boys or girls who eschew princess gear to be pirates 24/7 -- it makes you uncomfortable on some level. And that discomfort forces you to own up to some stereotypes you didn't even know you had. Stereotypes that, if asked directly, would probably have denied outright. But your kid's right there, blurring the lines society likes to keep nice & sharp & it makes us wince. It's fascinating.

But that aside, it really is wonderful to see kids exploring ALL of themselves, & to see parents willing to squash a knee-jerk reaction & allow that exploration.

Plus, boy dancers are hot. :-) I think watching a guy get his groove on is an inherently powerful thing. My husband took me dancing on our first date, & I never looked back. Dancing has GOT to be some kind of mating rituatal, doesn't it? I mean, go back a few posts to Cassondra's Killer Kiss. Wasn't she dancing with the unnamed hottie when he laid one on her? Guys who can dance get the girl, that's all I'm saying.

For example, I just saw Spider Man 3 last night, & there's a great scene where Tobey Maguire's getting in touch with his inner horn-dog & he's discoing through the streets of New York. The looks he gets are priceless, but I loved it because it was so tangibly physical. He was getting his groove thing GOING & his inner sound track went all disco. It was a little goofy, but undeniably hot, too. So maybe Harley Davidson isn't selling toe shoes, but the beta male who dances has a darn good shot at getting lucky as far as I'm concerned.

Susan

Keira Soleore said...

I can't type Barashnikov and Nureyev fast enough (probably why I'm mispelling their names).

I loved the story of Billy Elliot a boy who comes from a poor mining town and has the courage of his convictions to stick to his desire to learn ballet and how his family overcomes their innate objections to a boy ballet dancer and helps young Billy to become one.

I want to read your story, Kirsten, and yours, too, Gillian.

Pam, I have never forgotten your story of those split tights. How did that guy, um, stand for it?

Foanna wrote, "Guess who won? By a grand jete!" --Very cute!

My only objection to the male ballet dancer is his outfit. I mean, can't his top be a little longer???

Cassondra said...

I was a dance minor for a while in undergrad school. There were like four guys in the whole school trying out for the Company, and a gazillion girls. How many guys do you suppose got to dance with the Company? Yup.

All of them.

A tiny percentage of the girls went on to get really good and become pros at dance. All but one of the guys went on to dance in a professional troupe. And that was because the other guy decided he didn't like the pressure of the constant muscle soreness--the never-ending injuries, and the knowledge that, ONE misstep takes your career our for good. Just like football or soccer. One major injury--a knee for instance--and your career is done. It's off to teach toddlers, and he had no interest in that.

Any guy who is good has a guaranteed career I think, because there are so few as compared to the ridiculous competition for women. Now I'm not saying you can be Barishnikov if you don't have his talent (and sheesh, did he ever have talent) but still--talk about your wide-open career fields.

Okay this is not nearly as civilized as ballet, but has anybody ever seen Paula Abdul's video for Cold Hearted Snake?

It's a hot video anyhow, but wow those guys are HOT with a capital HOT.

P226 said:

If anyone's going to challenge the stereotypes it'll be you guys.

Hey, I think that's a compliment. ;0)

Lance said...

In theory male ballet dancers should be masculine, and why not? Strong, athletic, typically handsome, and of course, great dancers. And when it comes to traits that attract the opposite sex, being a great dancer is a big plus in both the old-fashioned Casanova romantic, or nightclub, big-balling player realms.

But in reality? Not so sure. When I was a youngster back in the 70s, during the birth of political correctness (which was at that time allowed to grow unfettered and unquestioned) I asked my dad how you could tell if a man was gay. He said that they typically did things that girls did and often liked to take their shirts off. He’d probably seen a recent clip of a Gay Freedom Day parade in San Francisco and was trying to convey an honest answer about a subject with which he was unfamiliar and probably uncomfortable. Later, I saw a male ballet dancer on TV public access (where else?) who fluttered about in a solo routine on a small stage wearing the normal ballet costume: slippers, tights, dance belt complete with synthetic bulge (what is up with that anyway?), and in this case, no shirt. So I asked my dad, in a serious tone, if this was an example of a gay man. I had asked the question in cynicism and expected some sort of negative reply, thinking he’d come back at me with a strong “NO, ballet is not a girl thing and just because a man chooses ballet doesn’t mean he’s gay!” This was, after all, during a decade when Free to Be…You and Me was being shown to elementary school kids across the nation, it was alright to cry, for the first time a girl could realistically aspire to be President, and tolerance of homosexuality was increasing. Being gay was even considered by some to be chic. Parents were expected to supplement the new principles the schools were teaching of acceptance and equality. But my dad did not chastise or correct me. Instead, he squinted at the TV for a few seconds, turned to look at me, and in a straightforward voice said “Yeah. That’s a pretty good example of a gay man.”

Anonymous said...

Jo, Max sounds like such a cutie! I've got a picture of my son from a few Christmas's ago wearing a gorgeous purple tutu. Ah, he'll hate me later, I'm sure! In his class, the boys wear black leggings or tights and white t-shirts. No tutus allowed! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Deb and Buffie, I spent some time this morning watching clips of Barishnikov with my son and it was so amazing. The man truly has a gift from God (and I think he knows it, too!). We also watched so clips from White NIghts, when he danced with Gregory Hines. So amazing to see such different but gifted dancers side by side.

Thanks for the support--maybe someday I'll write a dancer book, and dedicate it to all the Banditas out there who wanted to see it happen!

Anonymous said...

Cassondra, I figured you'd be a supporter of pushing gender boundaries--you push them yourself and I can't imagine you wouldn't be supportive of pushing the other way! I hope you do get to see the Nutcracker--my son's a cavalier in his ballet school's production of the Nutcracker and actually gets to dance with a girl! At age 7 none the less! It's terribly fun, I must admit. He wears a little red velvet vest with a white shirt and white tights. Ooo, I get giddy just thinking about it. Too cute.

Buffie said...

Kristen, have you seen the 80s movie White Nights with Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines? It was a fabulous movie!!! I was truly moved by the story and the dancing.

Anonymous said...

Anna, I meant to mention that the first picture is of an Australian ballet company. Can't remember the name precisely, but I'll see if i can figure it out again. ;-) I do so wish I had a chance to see Baryshnikov live--what a man. And Nureyev, SWOON! I wish I could have seen that "whimpy" ballet dancer whup those muscle bound sports heros. HA! Good on HIM! :-)

Dianna, I think they just pick up that stereotypical thing from the air--osmosis, or something like that. Hard to say. But I think it's good to challenge our own stereotypes. My son's ballet is putting me a little out of my comfort zone, and I think that's really good. I'm so glad, BTW, that you got to see the Nutcracker. What a great Christmas tradition!

Anonymous said...

Annie, thanks for the support--and it's good to know I'm not alone! You want to not be prey to the stereotypes yourself, but somehow it leaches its way into your bones. Sigh.

Helen, I agree--there's nothing more sensual than a beautiful male dancer! And what a great story about the ballet dancer turned PT. There's no doubt that it's a powerful and difficult practice and no room for whimps! Thanks for commenting!

Anonymous said...

p226--I wondered what you'd think about this little conversation! Do you really think we writers have that much power? That's so interesting...we like to throw our hands up and wail and moan about how we are at the mercy of our editors, but I think you're right. A really powerful story CAN change culture. What a great reminder! (But I'm not sure about the pink bunny ears. Snort!)

Christine, I think you're right--their nature is what it is. It's really sort of crazy to think you're going to change it. And I'm so with you on the Chicago Stars. I couldn't give a lick about football until I read SEP. Then, suddenly, I started looking at those quarterbacks a little differently...

Susan, it is good to step squarely into a dilemna that would be purely academic if you didn't have kids, but is actually a real issue when you do. And I can just imagine Bryan romancing your little heart out...aw...I wish MY husband would take me dancing!

Anonymous said...

Keira, can we be honest here? I can't look at a male dancer without staring at his...um...thighs? Okay, it's obscene, but I really do stare. Hard not to. They look so...large.

You know what I mean.

Ahem. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Cassondra, I probably worry more about my poor daughter dancing than I do my son. He's going to be 6'4'' and 250 on a skinny day, and he'll love it. She's going to be 5'10 and 160...if the genetic rules apply (not a skinny bone in her body, thanks to her dad and I). Not exactly prima ballerina material. I wish I could start her now on a career in volleyball or something, so she won't spend her life wondering why her body doesn't fit the image of her chosen art. But that's a different blog, right?

Anonymous said...

Lance, I think unfortunately, you're absolutely right. Lots of stereotypes abound when it comes to male dancers. I was raised on Free to Be...You and Me, too, and I loved that song "Billy Wants a Doll." Remember that one?

Now I'm going to want to sing for the rest of this blog--what a perfect inspiration for overcoming stereotypes and doing what's right for you! Everyone, go out right now and find Free to Be...You and Me. Especially if you have little ones. Play it for them over and over!

In this land, every boy grows to be his own man,
In this land, every girl grows to be her own woman,
Take my hand, run with me,
Where the children are free,
Come with me, take my hand
And we'll ruuuunn!

Anonymous said...

Buffie, that's so funny you mention White Nights. I did see it years ago, and when we were searching for clips of Baryshnikov this morning, we came across a few from White Nights. Now I'm dying to see it again!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

I'd read a book about men in tights if they're hetero, for SURE. Ha! And P226 is right, if we write it (and can get it SOLD) then we can begin to change the world. :> Oh, yes, it's that Banditas for World Domination thing again. I agree as well that if we make it work in fiction in a way that's as hot and sexy as some of those male dancers? Ooooooh, yeah. Ha! And if more of those horndog guys in high school realized the ratios of guys to gals? There'd be a LOT more taking ballet. My son took tap lessons and did a bit of ballet at five. He'd seen Singing in the Rain on TV and wanted to make the foot noises. :> He's also done gymnastics, but likes baseball better, so the dancing and gymnastics are falling away. However, with High School Musical 2 combining dancing and baseball? I may be buying tap shoes again. :>

I love Barishnikov's "look" although I've read that his personality is a bit...hmmm...how to say it nicely...abrupt? Grins. Anna, I was LOL about the ballet guy whipping everyone's butts in a competition. The stuff you have to go through to dance, its way worse than any triathelete or marathoner does. Yikes.

Love White Knights and LOVE the Cold Hearted Snake video. talk about dancing! Wow. Gregory Hines was SUCH an incredible talent.

Lance and Kirsten, I'm going to smack you both for putting that song in my head. Now I'm going to have to go put in SOMETHING I can sing to or it'll be in my head all night. Grrr.
I also had to laugh about the sterotypes we grew up with and how, as most of us were coming along, there was such a push to change them. I used to have show dogs, and like ballet, the "sport" of dog showing tends to attract a considerable number of gay and lesbian participants. I'm not sure why, but it does. Therefore, the men who are hetero are in the minority. And boy do they get a LOT of attention. :> From both sexes. Grins. It's a "target rich environment" so to speak for guys who are straight, if they like dogs. If you're a staright woman? Not such good luck finding someone to date! Ha! As Kirsten says, that's a story for another blog!
Great post Kirsten!

Keziah Hill said...

I remember seeing Barishnikov dance in Giselle when I was in high school. He was HOT! Set the stage on fire!

Joan said...

One word, Kirsten

Maxim

Dancing with the Stars! Woo, boy...got fan myself

Trish Milburn said...

I think there's a difference in the perception of male ballet dancers versus male dancers in other fields. It's a common-held but likely erroneous belief that most male ballet dancers are gay. But I don't think that's the first thing people think of when they think of ballroom or other types of dancing or when they think of guys like Fred Astaire or Patrick Swayze. Ballet is seen as so girly that people can't understand why a straight guy would ever do it.

Has anyone seen Center Stage? My TiVo recorded it the other day, so at the end of one day of writing when my brain was mush I watched it. It's about these teenage ballet dancers, and they portrayed many of the male dancers as very hetero.

Caren Crane said...

Oh, Lance and Kirsten, I lovedFree To Be...You and Me! We had the albums and the book and my brother (born in 1970) was allowed to have all the dolls he wanted. He, by the way, grew up as macho as boys in TN are supposed to. *g*

I was so impressed, even as a kid, by the whole FTBYAM message. "Hey, be whatever you want to be in life and it's okay!" I think it was probably this message, more than anything else, that made me think it was okay to aspire to be a writer.

Being a guy in ballet is risky business. Deb Marlowe didn't say, but she has some budding gymnast boys at home who are serious athletes. Risky! (Esp. in middle school--yikes!) Being a woman engineer or lawyer or recovery specialist is risky. So is being a romance writer.

I love this post, because it reminds us all what risks we take. Would our mothers have aspired to do what we have done? Would our fathers? Would they admit they like to visit a romance writers' blog? Um, probably no to all of the above. *g* Snaps to us for being brave enough to go for it and do our thing!

And yes, I would love a book about a male dancer. Especially if we got to see him flex all those muscles. Wah!

Anna Campbell said...

Keziah, you saw Baryshnikov LIVE in his prime??!!! I'm so going to quiz you about this when I see you. He really wasn't at his best when I saw him, but as I say, still such amazing presence. Nureyev was doing Giselle too when I saw him in the late '70s. Still a precious memory. I saw him when he was sick in the mid-'80s (although nobody knew at that stage) in Swan Lake and it was so sad.

I love Dance Movies, Trish. Any dance movies. I thought Centre Stage was really good - and I suspect true to life. I think some of those guys are pretty predatory with all the gorgeous young women around them.

Keira Soleore said...

Foanna, unless you time travel, no Regency man will dance the ballet for you even if you asked nicely. So... you have your work cutout for you to write a dancer hero in your setting. :)

Anna Campbell said...

Oh, Keira, how right you are! Boo hooo!!!

Anonymous said...

Jeanne, I haven't seen HSM2, but loved HSM. Anything that gets kids thinking, dancing, and singing, and doesn't involve violence or nudity is AWESOME in my book. And glad Lance and I are taking over your mind with the Free to Be You and Me songs.

Keziah, one of the YouTube clips I found was of Baryshnikov in Giselle--you should look for it. Maybe it was your show! He's young and gorgeous and leaps fifteen feet in the air, I swear.

Trish, thanks for stopping by in the midst of your deadline hell. Not having either TIVO or cable TV, I'm afraid I won't be able to catch Center Stage. I was a HUGE fan of So You Think You Can Dance. Danny made me seriously HUNGRY. And I think he's like, seventeen, so that's embarrassing!

Caren, WELCOME BACK!! We missed you! And such an insightful comment, taking us back to risks. This really made me think. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Joan, I've never watched Dancing with the Stars, but it sounds like I should! :-)

p226 said...

(But I'm not sure about the pink bunny ears. Snort!)

Mine are soft and fuzzy. My wife thinks I look ridiculous in them.

A really powerful story CAN change culture.

One of my first responses in your lair was to an entry one of you did asking if a novel can change a life. I'd say novels can change a life and a great deal more. Yes ladies, you wield enormous power.