Sanura Dance Space: A Guide for Inclusive Queer Dancing

Welcome to Sanura Dance, where we celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the joy of dance. As dance instructors, it's essential to understand our unique position in fostering a safe and inclusive space for the queer community. Let's explore the key concepts to guide you in creating an environment that is not only about dance moves but also about fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within the queer community.

Understanding Key Terms

Feminism

Feminism is the advocacy of women's rights and equality based on the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

FLINTA

FLINTA stands for Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Allied. It's an inclusive term acknowledging diverse identities, including Cis Women.

LGBTQ+ Community

Encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity.

Queer Person

Someone whose sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression falls outside traditional societal norms. Queer is an umbrella term encompassing a variety of identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Queer Space 

An environment where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can gather, socialize, and express themselves without fear of discrimination or prejudice. It is intentionally inclusive, supportive, and affirming.

Creating a Queer Dance Class

To make our dance classes specifically inclusive and welcoming for the queer community, let's implement these steps:

1. Inclusive Language:

• Avoid assumptions about gender or sexual orientation.

• Use terms like leaders/followers instead of ladies/men.

2. Pronoun Inclusivity:

• Encourage participants to share their preferred pronouns.

• Ensure instructors and staff use pronouns respectfully.

3. Partnering and Gender Roles:

• Embrace all types of dance partnerships.

• Flexibility in lead and follow roles, moving away from traditional gender-based norms.

4. Safe Space:

• Emphasize that our class is a judgment-free zone.

• Strictly prohibit discrimination and offensive behavior.

5. Open Discussions:

• Create opportunities for participants to share experiences and ideas.

• Foster an environment of open communication.

6. Feedback Mechanism:

• Establish a feedback system for participants.

• Actively seek input on making the class more queer-friendly.

7. Flexible Dress Code:

• Allow for a dress code that respects diverse gender expressions.

• Encourage self-expression in attire.

8. Additional Resources for Understanding:

• What's FLINTA? 1min

• What It Means To Be A Feminist 2:09 min

• Why feminism needs men - and men need feminism | Nikki  van der Gaag | TEDxLSHTM 8:44 min

• How the Stonewall Riots Sparked a Movement | History 3:54 min

• Gay vs Queer  - what's the difference? 1:13 min

• What Is LGBTQA+? 3:54 min

• This Is What LGBT Life Is Like Around the World | Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols | TED Talks 11:50 min