Gender Roles In Dance

Does the dance world provide equal opportunities for both men and women? When asked this question, many people are inclined to say “yes”. However the reality is not what most people would imagine. The difference between male and female gender roles within dance is shocking, and they will remain so, unless we take a step to push boundaries past what is expected.

Like the statement “less is more”, the way in which society views male dancers seems to be self-contradictory. For one thing, male dancers are often criticized for being feminine, moreover, some believe that boys shouldn’t dance because it is a “girl’s activity”. Such stereotypes often deter males from attending a dance class. In spite of this, males who do take up dance, are often

In general, people stereotype female dancers to be petite and super flexible, along with having a softer elegance within quick and intricate steps. Additionally, women are never seen as one to lift their dance partner, instead they are the ones being lifted. This is supported by evidence from females in different dance genres. In a similar fashion as men, ballet provides ridged paths for females, and in contemporary or hip-hop, gender roles have minimal effects. To clarify, females in ballet are expected to do multiple turns, have perfect petite allegro (small jumps), and to have flying, 180° leaps. As for partnering, the job of female dancers is to be lifted and to be “shown off”. Nevertheless, hip hop ignores classical roles and demands equality in steps, lifts, and costuming, regardless of gender. Another key point in dancer gender roles is found in choreography; where unlike men, women find it much harder to obtain a job in this field. Some of the most revolutionary choreographers known today are Martha Graham, Anna Pavlova, and Isadora Duncan. However, even while forever shaping the dance world, very few will recognize their names, not mention the fact that these and other great female choreographers struggle to have their pieces performed on big stages and in front of large audiences. In the end, females are quickly accepted as dancers, but to be a