Thoughts on gender balancing and gendered dance in general

[playfulfordian]

The other day, I got a Facebook message promoting a dance event. The relevant bits are quoted here, "It is NOT too late to register for X and get the Early Registration Discount! We are about half way full - just a few weeks into Registration so ...Gentlemen, please register soon and take one of our wait-listed ladies out of suspense!! Couples:

Comments

[nightengalesknd]

I don't dance Crockett's Victory Garden on the men's side. The weight difference tends to be greater on that side, and the turns at the end are just too fast for me. I feel as though I am spinning out of control

[meanfreepath]

What kind of dance event was it that was doing the gender-balanced registration? I've never seen anyone do something like that for any of the Scottish, contra, or English events I've been to. I'd certainly feel somewhat uncomfortable about it

[playfulfordian]

This particular event was contra (with, I believe, one little session of English).

[galoshtjuv]

I have opinions about this, most of which I've stated in other forums. For now, just one thing here. I am all for not confusing beginners, but I also think it's okay to show beginners that dance gender roles don't have to match our outside-of-the-dance gender roles or our biological sex. So I am all for switching in a contra line even if there are some beginners, as long as you're really good at switching and can help the beginners through their confusion. If you're just learning how to switch back and forth, maybe better to practice in a line where others can help you or won't be depending on you.

[galoshtjuv]

okay, one other thing. I wonder if a lesbian couple has ever tried to take advantage of the "couples welcome" clause in a gender-balancing event sign-up like the one you quoted...

[playfulfordian]

Ohh, I wonder that, too.

[asmanyaswill]

No, you're not alone--it makes me irate; yes it matters whether an event is gender-balanced; and no, mostly with a few exceptions it doesn't matter to me what part I'm dancing or what gender my partner is

[galoshtjuv]

one-legged schottis???

[asmanyaswill]

It rocks! (...back and forth, on the same foot...)