Men “don’t feel as awkward” dancing thanks to Emmitt Smith

[Beto]

http://www.realityblurred.com/realitytv/archives/dancing_with_the_stars_3/2007_Jan_22_men_dancing

Dancing with the Stars 3 winner Emmitt Smith has had an effect on men everywhere: His extreme masculinity has allowed them to embrace the previously feminine pastime of ballroom dancing.

For example, 40-year-old Jay Pintor tells the AP that he “definitely wasn’t into it. But then you see this big football player doing it — I mean, you don’t get much manlier than Emmitt. I just don’t feel as awkward anymore.”

Another man, 46-year-old Steve Hill, says, “It was inspiring to see this rough and tough guy not just surviving, but excelling. Now I figure, if I want to do it, I should do it. Let the stigma be for the viewers, not the doers.”
Notice how both men only say the word “it,” not daring to utter the phrase “ballroom dancing,” lest they suddenly grow vaginas.

But their avoidance of the phrase makes sense in the context of a Wisconsin construction worker’s story. Kris Gehring tells the AP that his colleagues called him “Twinkletoes” because “he now takes ballroom dancing lessons.” Kind of strange that Wisconsin lets five-years-old boys who are insecure about their penises work construction.

A San Jose dance studio manager agrees that Emmitt Smith has had a positive impact on the sport; his dance studio has seen increased enrollment due to what the AP calls the “Emmitt Effect.” Bobby Gonzalez says, “Lots of guys didn’t really give credit to how much (dancing is) a sport, how athletic it can be. But Emmitt definitely proved it is.”

LONGER ARTICLE source:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16709564/

[reb]

Bobby Gonzalez says,

Hey, I know Bobby - great guy and great dancer!

[chachachacat]

Well, YAAAAAAAAY EMMIT!!!!

It's about time, guys.

[saludas]

Glad Emmit 'showed the way'. Too bad most US males aren't secure enough in their manhood to do something they want to do unless another guy tells them it's 'ok' to do it.

[fascination]

goodness saludas, how unfounded

[Joe]

I don't find that inaccurate at all.

[SlowDancer]

I want my DH to read that article. Five years together and he steadfastly refuses to even take a few lessons. I've tried bribery and all sorts of trickery but nothing works. Of course, I would rather NOT drag a man kicking and screaming onto a dance floor.

Thanks for sharing, Beto.

[Joe]

Ha! Tell him he's not half the man Emmit is. ;)

[fascination]

mmm, odd...I don't know a single man over the age of maybe 25 who feels this way or needs another guy's opinion

[caityrosey]

I'm pretty sure they're mostly referring to the need for social support and reinforcement for a behavior/activity that, in our culture, is still a little outside-the-box for the mainstream concept of "proper masculine behavior." Clearly, however, things are changing.

[DancePoet]

Glad Emmit 'showed the way'. Too bad most US males aren't secure enough in their manhood to do something they want to do unless another guy tells them it's 'ok' to do it.
I'm not sure this is limited to US males, and I'm glad you at least used the word "most" rather than not at all. This could be a cross-cultural phenomena, and peer pressure is something we all face at various times during our life. I'm glad Emmit seems to be having a positive effect as well. :cool:

[DancePoet]

I want my DH to read that article. Five years together and he steadfastly refuses to even take a few lessons. I've tried bribery and all sorts of trickery but nothing works. Of course, I would rather NOT drag a man kicking and screaming onto a dance floor.
Ayuh, dragging won't work. Say something like, "Hey honey, I saw an article today about how Emmit Smith's manly approach to dancing is helping guys see how it is ok to learn dance. I know you haven't had an interest in this before, and that's ok, but could you maybe sometime give it a try with me?" Worst he'll say is "no".

[DancePoet]

I'm pretty sure they're mostly referring to the need for social support and reinforcement for a behavior/activity that, in our culture, is still a little outside-the-box for the mainstream concept of "proper masculine behavior." Clearly, however, things are changing.
I'd say you could be very correct, and I hope it continues. :D

[alemana]

'emmit smith's EXXXXXXTREME MASCULINITY "


lololol!

[fascination]

I'm pretty sure they're mostly referring to the need for social support and reinforcement for a behavior/activity that, in our culture, is still a little outside-the-box for the mainstream concept of "proper masculine behavior." Clearly, however, things are changing.I'm sure you're right...I just don't happen to know any men over the age of 25 who give a fig

[fascination]

Ayuh, dragging won't work. Say something like, "Hey honey, I saw an article today about how Emmit Smith's manly approach to dancing is helping guys see how it is ok to learn dance. I know you haven't had an interest in this before, and that's ok, but could you maybe sometime give it a try with me?" Worst he'll say is "no".or try my signature line...and buy him a tailsuit;)

[DancePoet]

I'm sure you're right...I just don't happen to know any men over the age of 25 who give a fig
:nope: Nope, V-Day is coming and we'd prefer to give things like flowers, chocolate, lingerie, fine wine, a dinner for two either homecooked or out, maybe even a night of dancing! :raisebro:

[caityrosey]

I'm sure you're right...I just don't happen to know any men over the age of 25 who give a fig


I know some. I sit near a whole bunch of them in my department. :)

[caityrosey]

They're very much the "manly-sports" types. Manly sports mostly referring to football, hockey and other things like that.

[DancePoet]

I know some. I sit near a whole bunch of them in my department. :)
They really give figs? :shock: Whatever happened to giving something more romantic? ;) :lol:

[fascination]

:nope: Nope, V-Day is coming and we'd prefer to give things like flowers, chocolate, lingerie, fine wine, a dinner for two either homecooked or out, maybe even a night of dancing! :raisebro:skip the chocolate and you're on...(lol, that is in no way disparaging chocolate lovers as silly)

[fascination]

meh, you could have a point there caitey...I am in mostly with the golfing types

[caityrosey]

They really give figs? :shock: Whatever happened to giving something more romantic? ;) :lol:


I'd be delighted if someone gave me figs--fresh figs! You just can't get them in Wisconsin.

[DancePoet]

I'd be delighted if someone gave me figs--fresh figs! You just can't get them in Wisconsin.
Hmmm ... perhaps figs could be more romantic then I first was feeling. :raisebro:

[fascination]

I'd be delighted if someone gave me figs--fresh figs! You just can't get them in Wisconsin.
ah yes, BUT...where else can you get such excellent cranberry wine and salami cheddar cheese...swoon

[fascination]

Hmmm ... perhaps figs could be more romantic then I first was feeling. :raisebro::doh: here we go again

[samina]

Hmmm ... perhaps figs could be more romantic then I first was feeling. :raisebro:

hey... remember adam & his leaf... worked for him! ;)

[SDsalsaguy]

hey... remember adam & his leaf... worked for him!
Perhaps that had more to do with him being the only man available? :wink:

[caityrosey]

Hmmm ... perhaps figs could be more romantic then I first was feeling. :raisebro:


to quote Fascination, *swoon*

[caityrosey]

ah yes, BUT...where else can you get such excellent cranberry wine and salami cheddar cheese...swoon


I've never even tried finding these elsewhere. Can you find, say, smoked cranberry cheddar or some of those other fanciful combinations outside WI? Maybe California, what with their happy cows and all.

[fascination]

meh, fig, tailsuit with number...same thing....ya can always tell

[fascination]

I've never even tried finding these elsewhere. Can you find, say, smoked cranberry cheddar or some of those other fanciful combinations outside WI? Maybe California, what with their happy cows and all.mmm and peppercorn gouda...ecstasy:cool:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

I want my DH to read that article. Five years together and he steadfastly refuses to even take a few lessons. I've tried bribery and all sorts of trickery but nothing works. Of course, I would rather NOT drag a man kicking and screaming onto a dance floor.

Thanks for sharing, Beto.
That's why you need to drug him before dragging him onto the dance floor. Sure, he'll be kicking and screaming on the dance floor when he wakes up. But if you're lucky, he'll wake up when a Swing is playing. ;)

[DancePoet]

:doh: here we go again
:kissme:

[DancePoet]

hey... remember adam & his leaf... worked for him! ;)
So much to say, but really not the place. ;) :lol:

[DancePoet]

to quote Fascination, *swoon*
I've got a soft spot for those mid-west gals :raisebro:, ... and getting back on topic ... I don't feel awkward about getting onto a dance floor either. ;)

[caityrosey]

I've got a soft spot for those mid-west gals :raisebro:, ... and getting back on topic ... I don't feel awkward about getting onto a dance floor either. ;)


How about when you first started?

[SlowDancer]

or try my signature line...and buy him a tailsuit;)

Actually, my DH is more the Latin type...I could definitely see him in sexy tight black pants and Latin shoes...and every time I tell him that I can picture him in such attire (it's kind of a standing joke), he laughs his a** off...

The article should really strike a chord with DH, though, because it was written about guys like him, old school macho types who secretly, or not so secretly, believe that there has to be something wrong with a guy who really wants to dance. My husband watched Dancing with the Stars and we rooted for Emmit together, but it still wasn't enough to convince him to give it a try.

I think there are all kinds of reasons why some guys just don't wanna dance. Most men fear looking ridiculous above all else, and my husband definitely fits into this category. He would have a very hard time going through the inevitable awkward phase everyone has to go through to become a dancer.

[fascination]

IMO...this is why the tailsuit covers it...it is hard for a man to look like a fool in a tailsuit...not impossible, but very hard...funny my dh is such the lawyer an nerd , he's not be caught dead in latin clothes...actually dancing latin WOULD probably kill him

[Terpsichorean Clod]

IMO...this is why the tailsuit covers it...it is hard for a man to look like a fool in a tailsuit...not impossible, but very hard...funny my dh is such the lawyer an nerd , he's not be caught dead in latin clothes...actually dancing latin WOULD probably kill him
So maybe he should dance Latin in a tailsuit. That way after Latin killed him, he would be caught dead in a tailsuit. :D

[DancePoet]

IMO...this is why the tailsuit covers it...it is hard for a man to look like a fool in a tailsuit...not impossible, but very hard...funny my dh is such the lawyer an nerd , he's not be caught dead in latin clothes...actually dancing latin WOULD probably kill him
Giving basic rumba a try might be ok.

[samina]

So much to say, but really not the place.

:kissme::kissme::kissme:

"just because you're you"
;)

[fascination]

well.yes...we have a casual rumba all the time...I am talking hardcore latin...which he would readily admit involves a motion in his hips and ribcage that just WILL NOT happen...he has other endearing qualities...which I intend to take advantage of

[fascination]

So maybe he should dance Latin in a tailsuit. That way after Latin killed him, he would be caught dead in a tailsuit. :D
well, he did in fact just buy a tux..not tails but...well, I'm not picky:cool: ...but that goes back to not being able to enjoy the assets...unlss of course we could get the bolero cut on the jacket

[samina]

...actually dancing latin WOULD probably kill him

fasc... i mean this in the absolute most complimentary way... if your vitality hasn't killed him, i don't think a little latin will.
<g>
<heh>

[fascination]

:kissme:oh thank goodness...it's been at least a week since I got one of those (in public)

[SlowDancer]

So maybe he should dance Latin in a tailsuit. That way after Latin killed him, he would be caught dead in a tailsuit. :D

You are cracking me up!:bkick:

[Joe]

I've got a soft spot for those mid-west gals :raisebro:, ... and getting back on topic ... I don't feel awkward about getting onto a dance floor either. ;)
"The midwest farmers' daughters really make you feel all right." ;)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

"The midwest farmers' daughters really make you feel all right." ;)
According to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Girls

The music for the song came from Brian Wilson's first LSD experience. According to Brian Wilson himself, shortly after taking LSD, he ran up to a bedroom and hid under a pillow, shouting "I'm afraid of my mom, I'm afraid of my dad." Randomly, he got up, said "That's enough of that" and went to a piano. He started playing in the bass the B-F#-G# pattern over and over, and then added in the right hand after a few minutes a B chord, moving to an A chord. Within a half hour, he had come up with the "well east-coast girls are hip, I really dig the styles they wear" part of the song.

If LSD can produce that sort of musical effect, imagine the possibilities of controlled administration in getting guys onto the dance floor. ;)

[reb]

If LSD can produce that sort of musical effect, imagine the possibilities of controlled administration in getting guys onto the dance floor. ;)
B-E-E-R has gotten many men onto the dance floor . . . :cheers:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

B-E-E-R has gotten many men onto the dance floor . . . :cheers:
Good point! Well, maybe controlled administration of beer during NC2S and LSD during Quickstep. :cool:

[Movement]

I know the studio manager Bobby. :)

[reb]

I know the studio manager Bobby. :)
Bobby Gonzalez is tremendous - I wish he were more visible to the dance community.

[fascination]

lol, now why didn't I think of that? the beer part that is

[fascination]

fasc... i mean this in the absolute most complimentary way... if your vitality hasn't killed him, i don't think a little latin will.
<g>
<heh>
I took it properly, and you have a good point;)

[fascination]

"The midwest farmers' daughters really make you feel all right." ;)
yes they do:cool:

[Joe]

Hmmm...an intravenous drip.

[DancePoet]

How about when you first started?
I tend to be a relatively confident person. Awkwardness could stem from fear. Fear can be avoided through education, and then awkwardness can be avoided. Even if there was a feeling of awkwardness, it doesn't stop me from getting on a dance floor.

[DancePoet]

:kissme: ...

"just because you're you"
;)
:lol:

Thanks Samina. :cool:

[DancePoet]

fasc... i mean this in the absolute most complimentary way... if your vitality hasn't killed him, i don't think a little latin will.
<g>
<heh>
:lol: :lol:

[DancePoet]

"The midwest farmers' daughters really make you feel all right." ;)
:cool:

[fascination]

:lol: :lol:
you know DP...I think I'd have to punch you for that if you were close by;)

[samina]

feisty wench, she is...

<yoda yoda>

[fascination]

my husband's radio handle for me was "spasm" ...he got a bruise for that

[samina]

<grabbing belly in gut-blasting laugh...>

spasm.... omg.

he's closest to the truth, tho, ay? <ducks>

[fascination]

I cannot tell a lie...that is another truth...

[samina]

virtuous to boot

[fascination]

nah just honest about the lack of it

[samina]

<g> i like that.

well, i do like keeping things real, when all is said & done

[Terpsichorean Clod]

I tend to be a relatively confident person. Awkwardness could stem from fear. Fear can be avoided through education, and then awkwardness can be avoided. Even if there was a feeling of awkwardness, it doesn't stop me from getting on a dance floor.
That sounds almost Yoda-like. But I like this better:

Women lead to fear. Fear leads to beer. Beer leads to the dance floor.:cool:

[SlowDancer]

That sounds almost Yoda-like. But I like this better:

Women lead to fear. Fear leads to beer. Beer leads to the dance floor.:cool:

Don't I wish! But not only does my husband not like to dance, he also doesn't like beer. (I do, though).:cheers:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Don't I wish! But not only does my husband not like to dance, he also doesn't like beer. (I do, though).:cheers:
Hmmm...maybe there's some way you could cut out the intermediate step so that his fear leads directly to the dance floor. I think I'd take a fearful dancer over a drunk dancer any day. ;)

[fascination]

how about "honey, if you don't get your heinie out here on this dance floor with me, I am going directly over to that hot dude over there and asking him to bolero, and you won't like what you see?"