Is there such a thing as cross-dress ballroom dancing?

Question

My sister is desperate to learn to dance but she wants to wear what the men wear. She still wants to dance with a male partner...is that possible?

Sue - thank you so much - I will pass that onto her.

WWD and Snowflake - sound advice. She is only 16 so maybe she's just going through a tomboy phase. She just hates wearing dresses and high heels. On the off-chance, you say "mainstream competitions" - are there any other competitions where such deviations are permitted?

Answer 1

That depends on what do you mean by cross-dressing. If it is something commonly accepted like wearing pants, shirts and low heels it's OK. She can wear whatever's comfortable to the dance classes. However, if she is going to cross-dress in order to look completely like a guy, she might scare some potential partners away. Dancing is not dating, however, it implies some body contact, and many people freak out from the idea of touching the person of tha same gender.

Mainstream competitions don't allow cross-dressing. She will be required to wear girl's clothes during competition.

******

Sorry, I wasn't quite sure what did you imply by cross-dressing. I've only heard of "other" dance competitions that involve actual cross-dressing, but have never seen them or their ads. I think they are a lot less common. They are organized by gay and lesbian communities. From what you say, I don't think your sister belongs there.

Collegiate competitions is what you should look into. They are a lot more relaxed about dress code. Your sister might want to explore those. Although vast majority of girls wear skirts, turns out it's not required. Many college kids want to be different. Many can't afford to buy ballroom clothes. Therefore the rules are a lot more relaxed. For example, check out the rules for this one: http://www.ucbd.org/classic/
Rules: http://www.ucbd.org/classic/rules.html
it doesn't say anywhere that girls are required to wear skirts. Find a collegiate comp in your area, she might like the idea. Find a collegiate dance team near you. Usually, they allow non-student memebers, your sister will fit in well.

USA Dance and NDCA competitions (organized by these 2 large dance organisations) don't allow that, I'm pretty sure. But by the time she's ready for those she might change her mind :-)

Answer 2

Some competitions outline their costume requirements, but simply to take lessons, her outfits don't matter.

I took lessons for years, in everything from jeans to dresses. At the lesson phase, as long as she's not wearing a necktie, nobody should have any problems.

My practice/lesson shoes were low-heeled, with suede bottoms to allow me to glide and turn -- and male partners wore similar 'jazz' shoes.

Her clothing, whether a skirt or slacks, should allow her to see her body movement in the mirror (no bulky sweaters or long loose tops).

Answer 3

She won't do well in competitions, and she may even frighten away some potential partners, but informally she's welcome to wear whatever she wants as long as it isn't disruptive or likely to get her arrested.

Answer 4

I'm not sure, but if there isn't, there should be!

Answer 5

No