What if women led?

[pygmalion]

Let's face it, folks. Times are changing throughout society. Roles that were traditionally held my men are held by women everywhere you look. ... Except in the dance world. For the most part, dancing men lead and women follow. Hmm. Is there a problem with that? Is the lead/follow gender divide something that will always exist? Or are dance gender roles also going to change?

[jon]

At whatever point the distinctions between men and women are eliminated in other social discourse, they'll be eliminated in dance roles. Not to say that there aren't an increasing number of people doing both roles, but don't hold your breath waiting for that to be the default.

[youngsta]

If women led I'd be a damn good follower!! :wink:

[Sagitta]

I do not see any problem with men leading and women following and vice versa. I think that there should be equal opportunity for both men and women to do both roles, or the role they choose, rather then one that society has assigned to them. The limited role reversal, as well as the visibility of same sex partners on the social dance floor illustrates that things are changing for the better. :)

[Sarah]

Floorcraft. In general men are taller and have a better view, and should therefore do the steering. Other than that, I can't think of any good reason why the roles shouldn't be reversed.

Cheers
Sarah <quite used to only being able to see her partner's right nipple region.>

[Sagitta]

Floorcraft. In general men are taller and have a better view, and should therefore do the steering. Other than that, I can't think of any good reason why the roles shouldn't be reversed.

Cheers
Sarah

So, if I cannot see over my partner's head, but instead am staring at her chest, it makes sense for me to be the follow as that results in better floorcraft? I can live with that. :) I would probably have to move to Asia then, if I wanted to lead often.

[Sarah]

So, if I cannot see over my partner's head, but instead am staring at her chest, it makes sense for me to be the follow as that results in better floorcraft? I can live with that. :) I would probably have to move to Asia then, if I wanted to lead often.

I take it you are of the vertically challenged set? I think that you only really need to see over your partner's shoulder, but if you can't do that, then why not consider getting her to lead. ;) Or are you deliberately choosing partners so you get to stare at their chests? :D

Cheers
Sarah <not so vertically enhanced herself>

[SDsalsaguy]

Or are you deliberately choosing partners so you get to stare at their chests? :D
Oooooo, you mean that's how I was supposed to be choosing partners??? :shock: :lol:

[Sarah]

Or are you deliberately choosing partners so you get to stare at their chests? :D
Oooooo, you mean that's how I was supposed to be choosing partners??? :shock: :lol:
Only if you're short. There have to be some perks ;)

Cheers
Sarah

[SDsalsaguy]

There have to be some perks ;)
:shock: :shock: :shock:




:lol: :lol: :lol:

[danceguy]

Or are you deliberately choosing partners so you get to stare at their chests?

You say it like this is a bad thing Sarah! Hmm...you know I do tend to dance with taller women, mainly since they are harder to lead...yes...that's got to be it...
:shock: :oops: :shock:

As far as women leading, I'm all for it! I would love to learn the other steps which would help me if I am ever to become a dance teacher at the least. Its always good to try a walk in someone else's shoes.

Then again, most women I dance with tend to lead anyway... :headwall:

SG

[Sarah]

As far as women leading, I'm all for it! I would love to learn the other steps which would help me if I am ever to become a dance teacher at the least. Its always good to try a walk in someone else's shoes.
SG

OK, but if you turn up to class and slip on a pair of gold satin Supadance t-bars with a 3in cuban heel and diamantes on the straps people are gonna look at you funny. Don't say you weren't warned!

Cheers
Sarah

Oh, yeah, and you might want to practice walking in them in private first. ;)

[Swing Kitten]

...or at least semi-private!

[Sagitta]

Or are you deliberately choosing partners so you get to stare at their chests? :D
Oooooo, you mean that's how I was supposed to be choosing partners??? :shock: :lol:
Only if you're short. There have to be some perks ;)

Cheers
Sarah

Now that you mention it. Got to get more of those taller people to dance!! Actually in all seriousness there are some people that I see who are quite tall (and I do see their chests, or their shoulders block my view) and I dance with them as they don't get asked a lot. Most leaders won't dance with someone if they are too tall, and there are difficulties in dancing that way. For instance, doing turns, pretzel...However, it's fun to see what we can do despite that. One follow does this turn where she bends her back knee. Also, I have lead turns by using the legs etc of the follow as quite a few people do in salsa. Perhaps in Competitions the height difference is an issue, but not in club/social dancing.


N.B. I'm 5'2'/3'/4' by the way. I don't really know, and it's not that big an issue for me. :)

[KevinL]

Let's face it, folks. Times are changing throughout society. Roles that were traditionally held my men are held by women everywhere you look. ... Except in the dance world. For the most part, dancing men lead and women follow. Hmm. Is there a problem with that? Is the lead/follow gender divide something that will always exist? Or are dance gender roles also going to change?

Only one person can lead at a time, if both people try to lead than crashes happen. Best solution? Trade lead/follow partway through the dance!

I don't think there is a problem with women leading, I like it a lot! I enjoy following because it is hard for me to give up control. That's why I do it, for the challenge! Unfortunately there aren't that many women (outside of the local swing scene) who do know how to lead.

Will it ever change? I doubt it, but there are lots of signs of slow progress.

Kevin

[danceguy]

OK, but if you turn up to class and slip on a pair of gold satin Supadance t-bars with a 3in cuban heel and diamantes on the straps people are gonna look at you funny. Don't say you weren't warned!

Cheers
Sarah

Oh, yeah, and you might want to practice walking in them in private first.

Sarah,

Is everyone from New Zealand so sarcastic? :oops: :P :oops:

[salsachinita]

:shock: I must be one of the last one who believes in women being the followers only :shock: !

At least it's true for me, personally. I feel that as the society changes, and the gender roles blend, it's a nice novelty to be truly feminent in the traditional sense. It doesn't mean that we know any less, or are any less skillful when in comes to dancing, it just means that someone's going to 'surprise' us with his leads (if you are a good follower and do not enticipate moves)....!

I like it the same way that I like doors open for me, being collected from my house the old-fashion ways etc. We are not weaker or less capable, but these things are just so sweet :o !

Lately a guy friend of mine tried to get me to lead, I realized that I physically didn't know HOW :shock: .

Hmmmm.....maybe one day I will learn to lead (beneficial for teaching others), but socially, I'm staying a follower 8) !