Historically, male ballet dancers, or danseurs, were celebrated stars in European courts from the 15th century, with figures like Louis XIV founding the first ballet school; however, since the early 19th century, they have increasingly faced persistent Western stereotypes portraying them as weak, effeminate, or homosexual. Surveys from 1988 and 2003 confirm these widespread negative perceptions, listing terms such as "Momma's Boy," "wimp," and "sissy." Dancers like Aaron Cota actively combat these prejudices, with his Marine Corps service helping to dispel myths about the athleticism required, though others like David Allan have faced severe bullying. Through rigorous performances, education, and media exposure, male dancers continuously challenge these misconceptions, a fact supported by numerous action stars and athletes, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christian Bale, and Tupac Shakur, who have famously studied ballet.