dayne: :blink: It used to be dance belts were basicaly designed to flatten everything out and were pure misery to wear if you were larger than average or even average. I remember one show at a small Baptist college that required we wear tights but had a tunic affair that was long enough to provide modesty. One of the fellows thought to get away with a jock strap under his tights and tunic. First dress rehearsal he bowed with his back to the audience. It wasn't pretty.
I believe the President and Mrs. Reagon went to see Nureyev dance some years ago. It was a scandal when he received them on stage wearing the lined metal mesh dance belt he wore to perform in. Even today, it is still gauche to allow the full physical shape to be outlined. Hence you will usual find the light padded lining that is used for what discretion a costume might allow. But, at least now they allow for what is there. When you say your prayers, say thank you for the change, those of you who dance today.
A little story that is a little off the subject but is fun, and very, very true. One company used to have every one throw their tights into a common barrel when the were done performing where they could be check for damage and washed regularly. Regularly did not mean washed after every performance. The lead dancer, a horndog, found he had crabs. He danced several performance with them before they became noticeable. The result was the majority of the cast had the opportunity to share the gift he received from his latest plaything. Trust me, he paid. You don't want the rest of the company to have a fervent desire to castrate you, especially the women! | 
