Gay square dancing is square dancing as it is generally danced in the Gay and Lesbian community. (Gay and Lesbian square dance clubs are typically open to the wider community; often Heterosexual, Bisexual, Transvestite and Transgendered individuals enjoy the higher energy and freedom from restrictive dress codes that Gay and Lesbian clubs offer). It is also generally understood to be a variant of "
western square dancing
", as it is practiced throughout the world and standardized by
Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers. Note that there are also Gay and Lesbian clubs for many other dance forms, including "
traditional" and exhibition style square dancing.
This entry will focus on the first and generally understood definition.
The primary differences between "Gay square dancing" and that practiced outside the Gay community are:
- Costuming: Gay square dancing has no costuming or special clothing requirement. Modern western dancing in general categorizes costuming or clothing requirements as follows--
- Traditional clothing
- Proper clothing
- Relaxed or informal clothing
- Function as a "singles" club: Gay square dancing has no partner requirement. Modern western dancing often expects one to have a steady dance partner.
- One's dance role is less synonymous with one's actual sex: Men often dance the women's part, and vice versa, much more so than otherwise in the general western dance community. A caller cannot rely so much on visual clues as to who is partnered up with whom.
- Styling: There are many special styling variations and sound effects referred to as flourishes connected to "Gay square dancing".
- Energy level: The energy level tends to be higher in "Gay square dancing".
History of Gay Square Dancing
Insert text re: history of Gay square dancing
- Miami 1976
- Miami Mustangs 1979 club formation
- National Gay Rodeo
- 1982 Reno, NV
- Feb 1983 Miami fly-in
- 1984 Seattle first convention National Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs
- Name change to reflect Canadian clubs
- First 10 years explosion
- Non-North American Clubs: Australia, Japan, Denmark
International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC[?])
The support organizations