These illustrate/amplify what I was trying to say, with my emphasis added. And
someone asked why such strong feelings. Who knows, but something to do with
treasuring an (ideally) egalitarian, equal opportunity, cooperative nature of
the social dance form which everyone has equal agency (and responsibility) to
make delightful for all.
Chrissy Fowler
from Andrea---
(A swing) is a mutually decided thing, and from the right side I can time the
end, stop, or alter a flourish so it puts me in the right place, control the
speed of the swing and help a new dancer swing better just with my body. There
is no special leadership in the left role during a swing. And in a courtesy
turn, while it is true you are doing two different things, the forward walker
can get where she is going unassisted. The courtesy is in engaging with her
with hand and eye, not in propelling her. The action is in the joined left
hands, and that only works if both give equal resistance. I think even modern
choreography does not require one gender role to lead. They may choose to, and
to add embellishments, but it is not essential. I matter which gender role I
dance, what I want from my partner is good connection and counterbalance.
from Donna---
> Anyone who has learned ballroom/couple dances (waltz, foxtrot, swing,tango)
> understands what the lead/follow roles are. Contra dancing is not
> lead/follow.
