In a move that same-sex dancers called discriminatory, Britain’s governing body of ballroom dancing wants to change the definition of a competing partnership to “one man and one lady,” saying all-male couples are stronger and have more stamina than mixed-sex couples.
The world of competitive ballroom dancing has traditionally been dominated by couples made up of a man and a woman, although a small number of same-sex dancers also compete alongside them.
Critics say the rule change proposed by the British Dance Council could ban same-sex couples from mainstream competitions, according to The Associated Press.
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“We’re looking to regulate the situation, as there is nothing in the rules at the moment,” said Bryan Allen, the body’s president.
But dancers argue they should be judged by their dancing, not their gender.
Sergio Brilhante, a former professional who competed with a male partner, said the argument that men are stronger than women may work for sports such as tennis but does not apply to dance — and does not apply to female couples.
“Dance is about technique and choreography, about moving well on the floor,” he said. “People didn’t react very well in the beginning, but after some judges saw us more than once, they came to understand we just dance like any other competitor.”
The dance council insists it does not discriminate, and that same-sex couples could still take part in some competitions should the body vote to approve the rule change.
Brilhante says there are few events catering to same-sex dancers, and they are not as prestigious as the mainstream competitions.
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