Degender Dance

Why Dance is Great for Queers + Queer is Great for Dance

In this week’s episode, Kate and Lou share a short and sweet conversation on why partner dance is so damn good for queers and why partner dance needs queers running shit! For queer and trans people, embodiment and unadulterated authenticity is a powerful part of discovering, inhabiting, and expressing who we are. Dance gives us a container for that experience: a place to play with gender, energy, roles, connection, and taking up space, while getting out of our heads and into our bodies.Queers bring something essential to the dance floor and to the dance business, and we deserve to be at the forefront of wherever partner dance goes next and create spaces that are safe, inclusive, radically expressive, and, of course, FUN!Tune in, cuz Kate and Lou also reveal whether they’re a top, bottom, or vers… partner dancer!

Swivel Me This! How Jason Hsu Built Switch Taipei One Swivel at a Time

This week we’re joined by Jason Hsu (he/him), Lindy Hop dancer, educator, researcher, tour guide, and founder of Switch Taipei - a dance school for Queer equality and identity in Swing in Taipei Taiwan! With a background in theatre, language education, and cross-cultural pedagogy, Jason teaches and performs Lindy Hop but also bridges dance practice and academia. After completing a master’s degree in the Anthropology of Dance, he is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Dance at Taipei National University of the Arts, researching cross-cultural movement in Lindy Hop through queer identity and exploring how those ideas can reshape dance symbolically, and in real time.In this episode, we talk about switch dancing, gender expression and how Jason’s journey has been anything but linear, the importance of dancing both roles, and how switching can create opportunities for visibility, authenticity, and more expansive expressions of gender. We also get into gender equity, oppression, Jazz as a liberatory art form, Jason’s Taiwanese identity as a partner dancer,l the way identity can have so many bodily and experiential overlaps. And maybe the best part: the important role that fashion plays in self-expression.Join us for a conversation about dance, identity, culture, and disrupting the norms that tell us who we should be so we can be a lot more who we really are!

Decentering Men, Centering Ourselves

What happens when we stop making men and their whims, ideas, and impulses the center of everything?In this episode, we’re talking about a pattern that shows up everywhere: from small dance communities to the highest levels of power. Men are often given the benefit of the doubt, the spotlight, the leadership, and the attention, while women, femmes, and queer people are conditioned to provide the care, emotional labor, support, and forgiveness around them.Partner dance has its own version of this. We’ve been taught to look up to men as leaders, teachers, studio owners, and authorities and too often charisma and success get mistaken for character. The harm of centering men exists on a spectrum: from women and femmes providing endless unpaid labor that allows men to thrive, all the way to grooming, harassment, sexual violence, and communities protecting men instead of the people they harm.These patterns are a part of a larger culture that has allowed men from local community figures to powerful people like Trump and Epstein to accumulate influence, avoid accountability, and keep being centered.Decentering men isn’t about hating men. It’s about questioning why so much of our energy gets organized around men’s approval, attention, and “success.” What could we create if we stopped orbiting around men and started investing that energy back into ourselves, our communities, and each other?Come hang out with us as we talk about taking up space, trusting ourselves, and building dance communities where we don’t have to shrink, perform, or carry the burden of making men comfortable.

Vulnerability is a Helluva Drug with Kyla Hallums

OMG Y’all! This week we're joined by Kyla Hallums (kylahallums.com), a movement coach, somatic practitioner, and Bachata and Salsa teacher from Nashville, Tennessee, whose work blends social dance, somatics, and embodiment in ways that might change how you think about partner dance. So, what if becoming a better dancer has less to do with nailing the steps and more to do with trusting yourself? Kyla shares how she shifted from teaching people what to do with their bodies to helping them discover what their bodies already know. We explore why embodiment isn't about performing or copying steps, how social dance can become a powerful practice of self-awareness, and why vulnerability often opens the door to our greatest growth.We also dive into Kyla's work leading transformational retreats in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, where dance, somatic practices, joy and intentional community come together to help people reconnect with themselves both on and off the dance floor. As Kyla reminds us, vulnerability really is one helluva drug.Tune in dance teachers, lifelong dancers, anyone too intimidated to try dance, or if you are curious about what embodiment actually means, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about movement, dance instruction, connection, and the courage it takes to be fully present. And if you're already a Kyla stan, don't worry we ask the hard-hitting questions, including the one you've all been waiting for: What's Kyla's favorite ice cream? Check out DegenderDance.com for FREE resources to decolonize the dance world.

Degender Dance = Decolonize The World

Check out our new site www.degenderdance.com⁠!!! Big title, we know. But stick with us. Last episode we talked about our complicated relationship with dance and how joyful, connective, and freeing it is... also weirdly still full of colonial bs. This time, we're asking: if dance is supposed to be about freedom, why is it still carrying around so much nonsense? From rigid gender roles and major hierarchies to gender inequality and outdated norms, our dance communities have inherited a lot more than just dancing. We dig into what it actually means to decolonize something and why gender equity is a powerful place to start decolonizing partner dance. But how the hell do we change this stuff? It starts with each of us! We have been working behind the scenes on something we hope will be the first of many guides for decolonizing the world of dance.Drumroll please.....OUR BIG NEWS! In this episode we launch our very first handbook: Gender Equity in the Classroom and Ballroom! This is a full-ass 50 pg book Kate + Lou have been working on for a loooooong time.🎉 In this episode share a little about what's inside, including degendering language, rethinking dance roles, consent, and more. It's like a field guide for dancers, teachers, studio owners and everyone in between to make gender equity in partner dance a priority. We also introduce some companion resources, including a video class, and role stickers that are designed to help dancers and organizers take small, tangible steps toward a more inclusive dance culture. Sometimes (always?) changing the world starts with changing what you do on the dance floor. Tune in and check out these resources and more at www.degenderdance.com!!!

Welcome to Season 2: What We Love + Hate About Dance

We're back for Season 2! In this kickoff episode, we sit down to unpack our complicated relationship with partner dance. From the intoxicating magic of a truly great connection to the patriarchal overtones woven through modern partner dance scenes, nothing is off the table. We talk about what drew us to build Degender Dance in the first place, what keeps us passionate about it, what we'd love to see change, and what's next.Along the way, we get into the highs and lows of social dancing, the joy of music and community, the frustrations of outdated and harmful norms, and gendered expectations, and why we believe another way is possible. Expect tangents, strong opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few moments where we get properly fired up. Also, stay til the end cuz also share some mega news, so consider this your invitation to catch up with us before some exciting changes ahead! And since you made it this far: what do you love and hate about dance?

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That’s a Wrap for Season 1…What’s Next?!

That’s a wrap on our first season here at The Degender Dance Podcast! Thank you so much to everyone for joining us in our first year of podcasting- we love our listeners💕🫶🏼 Tune in to check out what’s next and get excited about all the stuff we’ve cooked up for you in season 2 and much more! Season 2 starts with a bang 💥 on June 9th, 2026

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Everyone’s Invited: Disability Advocacy in Dance with Madeline Webster-Perry

How accessible is your dance scene? Is dance ableist? What can disability advocacy do for partner dance? What on earth is going to happen to your dance life when you become older or disabled? If the whole world had access to dance, would it be a better place? In this week’s episode we sit down with Madeline Webster-Perry (she/her), a Queer Lindy Hop dancer from St. Louis, Missouri, and get into it. Madeline is a consultant and trainer in disability employment and is passionate about disability inclusion, accessibility and fostering dialogue in dance spaces. The truth is, partner dance (along with the rest of the world) caters to a narrow demographic. In this conversation, we hear Madeline’s perspective on what can be done to make communities accessible and more diverse, the value of disability advocacy for everyone and about how sometimes you just gotta be a squeaky wheel. Check out Madeline’s IG @stlfemme and on FB at Madeline Webster-Perry. We also discuss her work with Charting The LifeCourse; check it out here https://www.lifecoursetools.com !

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Queer Audacity: Adrian of Queerchata Means Business

This week on The Degender Dance Podcast, we’re hanging out with Adrián (he/him), founder of Queerchata and the force behind one of the fastest-growing Queer partner dance movements in North America. In Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver and Chicago, Queerchata is all about creating spaces for dance without judgement with the help of his teachers, or as he calls them: The Queer Avengers of Bachata and Salsa. We get into his dance journey, how his Queerness shows up in the way he moves and teaches, and what it’s been like building a Queer-centered dance community from the ground up. Adrián brings a whole other layer to the conversation with his background in tech, including diversity and inclusion in tech work at Google and YouTube, and we talk about how that tech savvy and business brain shapes the way Queerchata runs and grows across multiple cities.We chat about what it really means to run a dance business rooted in diversity and inclusion, and how Queerchata reimagines partner dance without binary gender roles, and centers Queer connection, and joy. This conversation is part dance journey, part behind-the-scenes business nitty gritty, part real talk about community, identity, and building something that actually feels good to be in and all Queer audacity. Of course, we also had to talk about the April Weekender coming up in late Apri 2026 in Seattle, what makes it special and why you will want to be there (if there’s still tickets)! 🌈Learn more about Queerchata and snag the Seattle Weekender tickets here: https://www.queerchata.com/product/weekender 🏳️‍🌈Follow the Queerchata IG @queerchata

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Kate n’ Lou Go Contra Dancing

In this episode, Lou introduces Kate to Contra Dancing for the very first time, starting with a crash course on what it is and its roots of Renaissance country dances to its uniquely American evolution. Lou shares some of the layered history of contra, including how live calling became central to the form. Then we head to Lake City Contra to experience it in real life. We enjoy the sounds of the hall, the live band, and Kate gets to step into the long lines for the first time. While we’re there, we get a wonderful interview with organizer Sherry Nevins, who talks about community and the shift toward degendered language in modern contra spaces. She explains why the terms “Larks and Robins” matter and how they helped make the dance more welcoming. After dancing (and a lot of eye contact), we sit down to debrief. Kate reflects on what it felt like to try Contra for the first time, what was surprising, what was challenging and joyful, both grateful we now what a Bouzouki is! Special thanks to everyone at Lake City Contra, Sherry Nevins, caller Elizabeth Monica and the band Old Sock for helping us twinkle our toes!

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The DEI Dancer With Rassamy

This week we have the pleasure of talking to Rassamy, a West Coast Swing dancer, DJ, teacher, woman of color, cultural educator and ex Meta user in the greater Seattle area.We dive into her DEI work in West Coast Swing, and what it means to build accessible and justice-centered dance spaces. We hear all about her move away from social media, specifically Meta, as a political and personal choice, all while still organizing and participating in her dance communities. We also couldn’t help but hear a little about the questionable Lindy Vs. West Coast Swing feud too! Check out her work 💃🏽https://rassamy.com/

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Groove is in the Heart 💓 and the Heart is in the Basics

This week we’re getting into the basics. Why rushing into flashy patterns can strip away the soul of a dance. Why groove > quantity. And why the “basic” step and other foundational groove and technique is actually the skeleton of the dance and every flashy move too. The basics aren’t working? Neither will the advanced move.We also get into teaching beginners, retaking classes in the opposite role, ableism in dance spaces, and how focusing on fundamentals creates more inclusive scenes and lifelong dancers.Because basic aren’t boring.They’re the heart of every partner dance.

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Deep Listening: Dance and Therapy with Anne Gaskins

This week we’re talking with Anne Gaskins (she/ her): a therapist, Salsa teacher and a performer with Latin Fusion company BGC, here in Seattle, WA. Anne works as a therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image and is passionate about making dance accessible and fun for all bodies.Anne schools us with her pearls of wisdom about being a therapist and dancer and how these worlds collide and dovetail as inherently relational modalities. This interview blew our mind! Join us for the banter and the aha moments as we cover topics ranging from deep listening in social dance to body stigma in dance spaces🪩

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Try It! You’ll Like It! : Learning Both Roles Has Serious Value

In this episode Lou and Kate talk about one of the topics that sparked The Degender Dance Podcast to begin with: why learning to both lead and follow, even a little, makes you a better and safer dancer. We talk about the importance of ELEF, empathy and dismantling the idea that gender = dance role. Let’s get into it!

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White Supremacy and Dance Pt 2

In YT Supremacy and Dance, Part 2, Kate and Lou continue their conversation with Tema Okun’s Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture, moving through the second half of the list and exploring how these patterns show up in partner dance spaces. How do these characteristics surface in teaching and dance community and what are the antidotes? How do they live in our bodies and relationships, and how do they shape learning, connection, and conflict on the dance floor?We explore what it means to dance, teach, and organize in ways that support shared power and care, rather than defaulting to habits that have been normalized but rarely named. Dismantling white supremacy culture is an inside job, and it begins with noticing just how pervasive these characteristics are.Join Degender Dance as we share lived experiences, open questions, and the sometimes uncomfortable nuance of this work. References & Links• Shahem “5hahem” McLaurin: https://www.5hahem.com/• Tema Okun’s website: https://www.dismantlingracism.org/• Short video of Okun speaking: https://youtu.be/kJg2LJihb64• Easy-to-read handout: https://overcomingracism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/HANDOUT-SHARED-Characteristics-of-White-Supremacy-Culture-original-1.pdf• Original list: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/uploads/4/3/5/7/43579015/okun_-_white_sup_culture.pdf

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Get in, We're Boycotting Spotify!

On this week’s episode we talk about the Spotify boycott and why we are participating. ICE recruitment ads aren’t the only reason to stop giving them your hard earned money. We talk about how hard the decision is to divest from such an accessible staple and resource for dance teachers and what other options exist out there that aren’t evil fascists stealing from musicians. Seattle, the birthplace of Degender Dance, is one of the bigger cities that launched this boycott with many local musicians opting out and removing their music. Hell yea! Oh also when you cancel, there’s hilarious/desperate surprise waiting for you. Tune in to hear us chop it up!Indivisible Boycott:https://indivisible.org/cancel-spotifySeattle Musicians Boycott:https://www.knkx.org/jazz/2025-09-05/seattle-musicians-boycott-spotify-ai-ghost-musicians-ceo-daniel-ek-defense-investmentsOur screenshots from canceling:https://drive.google.com/open?id=1g3RMrHWmRMylYN5gtaUnT7NrfloNeEee&usp=drive_fs

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Creating The Dance Floor You Want To See With Yasmeen Zahar

Creating the Dance Floor You Want to See with Yasmeen Zahar:This week, we are so excited to share an interview with Seattle-based Latin dancer and teacher, Yasmeen Zahar! We dig into Bachata: its roots, its current politics, and why Sensual and Traditional are not the same dance. She talks about noticing what’s missing in a community and choosing to build something that’s deeply needed, and how she’s doing exactly that with Traditional Bachata in Seattle. Yasmeen brings culture, accessibility, and queer-forward care to Seattle’s Latin dance spaces through Traditional Bachata, creating classes where dancers feel joy, representation, and ease instead of self-critique. We’re pumped for you to hear our chat with Yasmeen and the ways they’re weaving community care and Dominican cultural roots into every part of their teaching. Tune in!

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White Supremacy and Dance Pt 1

White supremacy is interwoven into every aspect of our culture in many ways that are easy to name, and other times in patterns so normalized we barely notice them. In this Part 1 episode, we look at how those quieter, less-obvious and normalized dynamics shape our relationships and our dance spaces.We spend time with Tema Okun’s list of characteristics of white supremacy culture: a framework Lou first encountered through Shahem “5hahem” McLaurin’s 2021 Is It White Supremacy? series. Lou shares a bit about the origins of Okun’s work and why it continues to resonate. We touch on how we personally see these cultural habits show up in partner dance communities and along the way, we talk antidotes and possibilities for building dance spaces that feel more grounded, more collaborative and healthier for everyone. This conversation is just the tip of the iceberg with a Part 2 coming soon! References & Links Shahem “5hahem” McLaurin: https://www.5hahem.com/ Tema Okun’s website: https://www.dismantlingracism.org/ Short video of Okun speaking: https://youtu.be/kJg2LJihb64?si=sZgDDGTIyX4jtqEt Easy-to-read Printable list https://overcomingracism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/HANDOUT-SHARED-Characteristics-of-White-Supremacy-Culture-original-1.pdf Original list from Okun https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/uploads/4/3/5/7/43579015/okun_-_white_sup_culture.pdf

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We Are Taking a Break!

In this episode...well, less of an episode and more of an announcement: we’re taking a little time off. One of the core tenets of capitalism and yt supremacy is that you push no matter what. At Degender Dance, we value slowing down, listening to our bodies, and being in flow instead of chasing productivity. Tune in to hear us regale you with our anticapitalist voices until we are back on November 25th, 2025!5, 6, 7, 8!

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Disability and Dance

In this episode, we talk with Hazel Weakly, a deaf transfemme Lindy Hopper and tech whiz with serious groove and even more serious swivels, about what it’s like to move through dance and disability. Hazel shares how she learned to hear the music through feeling and tension, becoming known as a musical switch dancer, and opens up about coming out as trans, plus what a pair of 4-inch heels can do for leads! Lou and I also chat about our own limitations and disabilities: the funny, messy, and sometimes frustrating ways being visibly disabled changes how people treat you, and the myth of the “normal” body. 5, 6, 7, 8!

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