Beyoncé Knowles' womanly love

Aug 4, 2007, 7:00 GMT

Beyoncé Knowles is having a girls-only tour because she "loves being around women".

The 'Dreamgirls' star, who only auditioned and hired women for her current world tour, is delighted to be surrounded by females.

Beyoncé, 25, said: "I grew up in a house with so many women. I love being around women, I love being around talented women and supportive women.

"Everyone is so supportive of each other. We do things together, like yesterday we went skating. I rented out a roller skating rink for all of us."

The 'Crazy In Love' singer admits she did initially worry her all-girl plan could backfire.

She said: "I was afraid of that in the beginning when I had the idea. I thought this will never work.

"But I found focused and incredible musicians that are just as good or better than any guy. And then I thought, well, even if I do find it, after a while, there will be some problems."

Despite tripping down some steps during her Orlando concert last month, Beyoncé insists dancing in high heels is "easy".

She said: "The easiest part is dancing in the heels. I don't even think about it anymore - it's just second nature. But it is difficult to dance and sing at the same time. I have to make sure I'm in shape and I'm hydrated. I don't want to wear myself out and get exhausted."

(C) BANG Media International