It is a known assumption that when an average person sees a male dancer they automatically think they are homosexual. In truth, there are many reasons for this assumption.
Mostly because of our gender stereotypical society, the majority of humans relate grace, beauty, and gentlyness with being a woman. Therefore, when they see a male dancer performing a ballet routine on stage they automatically think he acts like a woman and therefore must be gay. This also has the same effect on woman athletes who participate in sports like football or hockey. They are acting manly, so therefore they must be gay, right?
Interestingly enough, according to an indepth study and survey from "Dance Magazine", only 47% of all male dancers recorded to be homosexual. So why do so many people think that male dancers are homesexual? Well, like mentioned, their passion or career expects them to practice and aquire the traits of becoming a good dancer. Ballet dancers especially need to practice beautiful movements and look graceful. It is a form of art that they are trying to perfect, not them trying to be a "woman". However, I cannot say that it is all your fault for believing this stereotype. Remember, our society created these perceptions for us.
I just wanted to briefly mention the importance of realizing what male dancers go through because of this persistant stereotype. At my studio I teach a young boy who is now 11 years old. He started dance when he was 4 and now does it competitively. However, last year he started middle school and the teasing and badgering started taken its tole. I talked to him about what was taking place. He was so upset that he even thought about quiting dance all together. I had never been in this situation before, so I asked one of the older boys at the studio (who was 16) to talk with him. This helped my young dancer and encouraged him to continue dancing. However, it is unfortunate that this situation had to happen in the first place. Its important to know that this is only one of the struggles that almost all male dancers go through throughout their entire life.
In all, please just think about these statistics and examples the next time you see or experience a male dancer. What are you going to say the next time your friends make a comment or joke about their sexuality? Remember these people are humans like YOU who just have a passion for performing the art of dance.
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2 comments:
This is interesting to me because I feel that it is important for people to pursue what they enjoy regardless of what people think or say. I can relate a bit because I was in band in highschool which was not the coolest thing around but I enjoyed it so continued with it anyway.
this is true fact of struggles for male dancers infect Many people don't know how much balancing can improve your health. I personally have god awful balance which isn't exactly good because it could help prevent injuries with running.
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