SOUSA KID

I really enjoy Gelsey Kirkland's dancing. Does she still dance ballet? (SOUSA KID)

I just bought The Balanchine Celebration featuring ''Stars & Stripes'' and I love it!! The Sousa music adapted by Hershey Kay is fantastic and the dancing is really tops! (I think I'd love to dance the lead dancer who dances with the Liberty Bell) Happy Fourth everyone .................Billy

Not to sound weird guys, but as a ''straight'' guy, I find it rewarding to appear as a bit ''sissyish'' at my ballet class. I'm the only guy in my class and the other evening as I was doing my plies at the bare, a mother gazed at me through the studio window. She smiled at me as though she was saying ''Go get em Champ!'' And I felt a bit ''sissyish'' but then I felt kinda proud of myself. I felt special. I've got the confidence to dare dance Classical Ballet in the suburbs as a guy. So whats so wrong with being a bit of a ''sissy''? Billy

Thanks Pam, .....What about my theory of Pretty men (Or boys) are taboo in America?? Real Men don't dance Classical Ballet

Thank's much to eveyone! I own ''Six Ballerinas'' and I also knew Mary Ann Moylan personally(I sang a Beatle ballad at her son's wedding years ago) Merrill Ashley just has that all American punch that knocks me out! And I love Big, Tall ballerinas. And that gorgeous smile with a hint of the devil in her eyes.......Oh yes indeed..........Shes my favorite ballerina forever. Billy

I was watching an old ''Dance in America'' of Merrill Ashley and I really want to write a very long, heartfelt fan letter to her. She's my favorite ballerina...............What should I do? Billy

I still think it's cause America is John Wayne country and guys who like gettin Pretty are outcasts! I'll keep dancin classical ballet anyway! Billy

There are All-American ballets, like deMille's Rodeo and Balanchine's Stars and Stripes, but, sadly, all of the regular season performances for ballet companies are over. Some companies, like Miami City Ballet, are touring (MCB in LA this weekend), others are visiting festivals, like Suzanne Farrell Ballet at Jacob's Pillow, and there may be some smaller companies that participate in Fourth of July celebrations in their areas.

Edited to add: Doh -- American Ballet Theatre's season isn't over, but they are performing Ashton's Sylvia over July 4th weekend.

Billy, several years ago there was an American figure-skating couple (I can't remember their names, but some of our skating fans will!) who were always billed as "HE is a truck driver, SHE is a waitress." Can't get more American than that. There was an interview with the man that I'll always remember. He had seen the Russian men, most of whom had ballet training, and was visibly jealous at their artistry. "Why don't we have that here?" he asked. I think you've answered why. Long, long ago men were supposed to be graceful and gracious, sensitive and sophisticated. That's out of fashion now. Bring it back!!

Since the fourth of July is next week, are there any all American ballets one might see? Billy

Thanks all for your input and I'm really happy my question sparked such a big responce from senior members of Ballet Talk. As I see it, Classical Ballet more than any other art form in America creates a big problem for sensitive, musical males who adore beauty, grace and female like-delicate movement. And to me, the real problem in America is that guys are not allowed to get pretty..........Ever! And ballet demands that men get deeply in touch with that graceful, sensitive.......Pretty.......side of their being. And pretty boys are The major no..no in this country. I'll keep dancing anyway! Billy

I'm in my second year of ballet and one of the few guys who have the courage or confidence to study ballet. Why are guys considered ''sissy's'' if they love dance? Billy

Hi, I'm Billy and I'm 20 and in my second year of Ballet. I'd love to talk with other guys who dig Ballet as much as I do.........thanks