Traditional gender roles in partner dance

Is it misogynistic to dance as a couple? At the very least, is it sexist? Since men are meant to lead and women to follow, one might think so. Not only that, but men are also meant to show off women. In some dances, the man’s frame is described as just that: a frame: through which the lady is viewed. Even the use of the word lady is a bit suspect. I wouldn’t say it’s misogynistic or sexist. However, it’s hard to say that when it comes to the roles between the sexes, it’s not traditional.

This can be a showdown for some of us. And it could even discourage you from dancing as a partner. Given the many benefits that can be derived from partner dancing (including the simple fact that it’s fun), it’s a shame.

If you find this traditional attitude towards the role between the sexes off-putting, but still like the idea of ​​partner dancing, then I can make a recommendation. This came from an Argentine tango dance teacher I took classes from in Hong Kong when he lived in China.

Side note: when I was in China I found that Latin and modern were done very well together and that the salsa scene was well developed; however, the rest of street Latin (including tango) was not as developed, and on weekends I got my ‘tab’ in Hong Kong. The instructor traveled to Buenos Aires once a year to keep up to date, and he was also very interested in all the culture around tango.

Back to the story: The instructor quoted an article about what traditional Latino men (and their dances) were like on his Facebook page. The article talked about how a Latino man should always walk to the outside of the sidewalk if he approaches a lady while walking on the side of a road and other things that by today’s standards seem perhaps quaint and perhaps a little off. of place.

The instructor did not question how this seemed, but added his own thoughts: Thoughts that I think are excellent guidance for those of us who are somewhat challenged with this attitude in dance. In a modern world where traditional gender roles are often frowned upon in an attempt to achieve equality, we can sometimes feel that we have lost part of our identity. This could be our femininity if we are a woman or masculinity if we are a man. Dance offers the opportunity to explore and enjoy this without fear of being judged.

Basically, we have to remember that it’s just dancing. While it may have elements that are not appropriate within modern society, it is only a very small part of that society. Sometimes it can feel more like acting, and it doesn’t have to be an indication of how other parts of our lives should play out. If you see it as an opportunity to explore another aspect of yourself (and maybe even reaffirm the way you live and act at other times), then it’s beneficial to engage in these traditional gender roles for a relatively short time. Use it as an opportunity to better understand yourself.

However, if you still feel the need to break out of traditional roles while dancing, then a lady can always try kidnapping. It is not common, but it is valid in some dances.