backwards and in high heels

Queering a dancefloor

It seems like social dancefloors have a queer tipping point. Once a certain number of people are dancing queerly (in same-sex couples or switching roles) something happens with the entire atmosphere.

A little while ago, I was dancing with a friend at a traditional milonga. When we got up to dance we were the only non-straight couple on the floor, and I’ve never felt so stared at in my life. A big group of people along the wall stared at us fixedly for three songs straight. I could’ve taken all my clothes off for much the same effect, probably. The friend I was leading is an excellent dancer, and we weren’t playing around or making a big and showy scene, not disturbing the flow, just dancing. Seemingly as strange as an UFO.

But we were there with friends, and they danced too - and once we were three queer couples on the floor more started appearing from the seemingly straight woodwork. After a while, it was like the room took a collective deep breath and relaxed. More smiles. More friendly laughter - even from those who kept to their traditional partners.

Past the tipping point: freedom. At least this time, this part of the evening.

(Source: dancequeer)