I’ve never seen So You Think You Can Dance, but ballroom dancing is considered a sport by at least the Gay Games and Outgames. It was at the latter in Montreal that I first saw same-sex ballroom dancing, and I thought it was really wonderful. Last night on SYTYCD, America got a glimpse of two men dancing together as well.
For me, the judges’ reactions were frustrating. They were crying, fawning over the two men and their “courage.” Yeah, it was cool to see the producers let these guys dance on national television. But they’re dancers. Homophobia isn’t exactly rampant in the dancing world: Whereas all football players are assumed to be straight, all male dancers are assumed to be gay. Instead of pandering to them, I wish the judges had spent a little more time judging them as dancers and less time judging them on their gender.
You be the judge: Video after the jump.
Hat tip to Towleroad.
on Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:15 AM
You clearly missed the last time a same sex couple was on that show. Let’s just say that SYTYCD is not particulalry aware that homophobia is not supposed to be rampant in the dance world. This was clearly some form of damage control.
on Sep 18th, 2009 at 1:09 PM
I love this show. I do not think the show’s professional dancers and choreographers are homophobic or concerned with homosexuality as it pertains to dance. I do believe the show is concerned with good dancing, no matter the combination.
This show has showcased more [men who could be stereotyped as gay by narrow minds] than any other show on television, and it’s all about their dancing, not their personal lives.
All male dancers are thought to be gay, only by narrow minds.
Long live So You Think You Can Dance.
on Sep 19th, 2009 at 6:19 AM
Actually, from what I hear the professional ballroom dance world really frowns upon same-sex couples dancing and you will not find it in any of the pro competitions.
I just read that SYTYCD has added a gay judge this year. Over at SYTYCD Canada, one of the judges is Blake McGrath, who you can see gracing the cover of FAB: http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/So_You_Think_You_Can_Dance_Canadas_Blake_McGrath_is_the_latest_fab_cover_boy-7407.aspx
on Sep 20th, 2009 at 1:25 PM
Perhaps as a “protective” overreaction, sports with perceived gay participation or interest can be particularly homophobic. For example, we are now seeing men’s and same-sex synchronized swimming, while outside LGBT sport, you won’t find same-sex pairs in figure skating or bodybuilding.
on Jan 14th, 2010 at 12:41 PM
@Dar… let’s also remember, in all fairness, that the first same-sex couple to audition for the show attempted a straightforward move which sent both of them flying across the stage. They were terribly unprepared and should have done what this team did: practice and eliminate the “lead” and “follow”.