#queer dance thoughts

[dancequeer]

360 TV - Sociedad: Maratón de tango gay

[dancequeer]

Queering a dancefloor

It seems like social dancefloors have a queer tipping point. Once a certain number of people are dancing queerly (in same-sex couples or switching roles) something happens with the entire atmosphere.

A little while ago, I was dancing with a friend at a traditional milonga. When we got up to dance we were the only non-straight couple on the floor, and I’ve never felt so stared at in my life. A big group of people along the wall stared at us fixedly for three songs straight. I could’ve taken all my clothes off for much the same effect, probably. The friend I was leading is an excellent dancer, and we weren’t playing around or making a big and showy scene, not disturbing the flow, just dancing. Seemingly as strange as an UFO.

But we were there with friends, and they danced too - and once we were three queer couples on the floor more started appearing from the seemingly straight woodwork. After a while, it was like the room took a collective deep breath and relaxed. More smiles. More friendly laughter - even from those who kept to their traditional partners.

Past the tipping point: freedom. At least this time, this part of the evening.

[dancequeer]

Dear followers of this blog, I'm terribly curious. Do you dance? If so, what? (Or, if you're not a dancer, what do you prefer watching?)

As for your dancequeer blogger, I'm addicted to queer argentine tango and dabble in contemporary. And tonight, I ventured to my first ever swing dance jam. So much fun! It filled me with delight and desire to take all the courses and go to all the dances. If only the week had more days. And if only I knew how to find the awesome queer dancers around these parts!