Ballroom dance that breaks gender roles | Trevor Copp and Jeff Fox

Summary

Trevor Copp and Jeff Fox explore the traditional gender roles in ballroom dance and introduce 'Liquid Lead Dancing,' a system that challenges these norms by allowing dancers to switch lead and follow roles. They critique the lack of diversity and representation in the dance world and advocate for a more inclusive and dynamic approach to partner dancing that reflects contemporary values and relationships.

Takeaways

• 📺 The popularity of 'Dancing With the Stars' revitalized interest in ballroom dancing and changed public perception of it.
• 🕺🏼 The traditional gender roles in ballroom dancing, where men lead and women follow, were seen as outdated and limiting.
• 🤔 The concept of 'Liquid Lead Dancing' was developed to challenge and redefine these traditional roles, allowing for more dynamic and equal participation.
• 👥 The idea of switching lead and follow roles during a dance was initially seen as unusual but was embraced as a way to make dance more representative of modern society.
• 🏳️‍🌈 The script highlights the lack of diversity in traditional ballroom dance, pointing out the invisibility of non-white, same-sex, and gender nonconforming dancers.
• 💃 The core principle of partner dancing is the ability to lead and follow, which is not inherently tied to gender.
• 🌟 The concept of 'Liquid Lead' was applied to various dances, including salsa and waltz, to demonstrate how it can enhance the dance experience.
• 🌍 The creators of 'Liquid Lead Dancing' have performed it in various venues across North America and Europe, always receiving a positive response.
• 🌈 The freedom to switch roles in dance is symbolic of the broader freedom to express one's identity without being confined by traditional roles.
• 👫 The script concludes by emphasizing that partner dancing should be about mutual care and respect, rather than adhering to historical forms that can silence or invisibilize certain identities.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction to 'Dancing With the Stars' among the public?

Initially, people were not familiar with terms like 'foxtrot', but after the show became popular, they began discussing the finer points of dance steps, which was a significant shift in public consciousness.

What was the significance of the system created by Jeff and Trevor for switching lead and follow during a dance?

The system allowed them to take turns leading and following, which was a way of playing fair and was later incorporated into a performance that sparked an important conversation about the politics of dance roles.

Why did Lisa O'Connell consider the performance of Jeff and Trevor as 'political'?

She found it political because it challenged traditional gender roles in dance by allowing both partners to lead and follow, which is not commonly seen in classic Latin and ballroom dancing.

What is the core principle of partner dancing according to the script?

The core principle is that one person leads and the other follows, and this principle is independent of gender.

How does traditional ballroom dancing reflect societal values?

Traditional ballroom dancing reflects societal values by adhering to a strict gender role where the man leads and the woman follows, which is considered a relic of the past.

What is the concept of 'Liquid Lead Dancing' introduced by Jeff and Trevor?

'Liquid Lead Dancing' is a concept where the idea of lead and follow is maintained but disconnected from gender, allowing couples to switch roles dynamically during a dance.

How does the script suggest that ballroom dancing can be more representative of modern society?

By updating the form to include same-sex and gender nonconformist couples, and by allowing for the dynamic switching of lead and follow roles, ballroom dancing can become more reflective of modern societal interactions.

What is the impact of the traditional closed ballroom hold on the perception of beauty in dance?

The traditional closed ballroom hold, where the leader is larger and masculine and the follower is smaller and feminine, is considered beautiful but is also a stumbling point for breaking away from gender stereotypes.

How does the script describe the issue with the traditional waltz in terms of safety?

The traditional waltz can be unsafe due to the blind spot created by the lead traveling backwards, which can lead to accidents. The script suggests that allowing for a switch in posture could make the dance safer.

What is the significance of the phrase 'the fine art of taking care of each other' in the context of the script?

This phrase encapsulates the idea that partner dancing is not just about following a set of steps, but about a mutual understanding and care between partners, which is a core aspect of the dance that should be preserved.

How does the script suggest that Liquid Lead Dancing can be applied to different dance styles?

By using examples like salsa and waltz, the script shows that the concept of switching leads can be applied to various dance styles, making them more inclusive and dynamic.