Hot to Trot: Same-Sex Ballroom Dancing
Take notes while watching the documentary Hot to Trot: The World of Same-Sex Ballroom Dance (2017). Then, compose answers to the questions below. Use Kidd’s (2013), Markwell and Rowe's (2003), Scott’s (1979) and Symons’ (2002) pieces in addition to the film in your answers. For opinion-based questions, you will not be graded on your view; you will be graded on the quality of your answer. Be sure to answer all questions asked, address all elements in the prompt, and articulate your view/argument fully. How well you analyze the content and explain and support your claims with specific examples will be a prime component of your grade.
Answer each question individually; think of your response to each question as its own essay. Write in complete sentences.
1.Same-sex ballroom dancing is a popular and competitive event at the Gay Games. For same-sex ballroom dancing, the premier competition is at the Gay Games. Would you consider ballroom dancing to be a sport? How do you understand same-sex ballroom dancing as fitting into the Gay Games? There are multiple manners to respond to these questions; be sure to consider the organization of sport in your response.
2.Although same-sex ballroom dancing challenges norms, it also re-inscribes them. What norms/expectations are perpetuated? Who is marginalized or excluded?
3.The class readings encourage us to consider the effectiveness of the Gay Games’ approach to effecting change. Extend that line of thinking to same-sex ballroom dance. What is the subversive potential of same-sex ballroom dancing?
Hot to Trot
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Hot to Trot
Question 1
Ballroom dancing constitutes a form of an athletic contest, in my opinion. Given that the Gay Games are a tournament meant to break stereotypes and promote diversity, it seems reasonable to me that same-sex ballroom dancing would be featured. Ballroom dancing is a form of exercise requiring skill and physical exertion; therefore, it might be categorized as a sport. Ballroom dancing competitors must train and practice to improve their skills, much like athletes participating in other sports. Ballroom dancing is also frequently practiced as a type of competition, with dancers competing against one another to win prizes or recognition.
Athletes of all gender identities and sexual orientations are invited to compete in the Gay Games, an international athletic event. Same-sex ballroom dancing has developed into one of the most well-liked and competitive events at the Gay Games (Symons, 2002). In this competition, dancers of all genders and backgrounds can compete against one another on a level playing field. In addition to their goal of promoting inclusivity, the Gay Games celebrate diversity. On this occasion, ballroom dancers from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds can mingle and celebrate their shared love of the dance style.
Question 2
The activity of same-sex ballroom dancing upholds traditional gender norms since it reiterates that there are two genders, a male and a female, and that these genders should be conducted according to predefined expectations. For example, according to traditional gender conventions, men should lead while women should follow when ballroom dancing (Markwell & Rowe, 2003). The way same-sex couples dance reflects this often; typically, the man is expected to take the lead, and the woman is positioned to follow. It supports the idea that men and women are fundamentally different from one another, with specific standards of behavior for each.