*What makes this a queer dance event?*
Between us, we have danced in lots of different cities and at lots of different events across Europe, and we’ve consistently found that we enjoy ourselves the most when we don’t feel any pressure to conform to any one dance role or social identity. The times we’ve felt the most ourselves have been when we were surrounded by queer dancers, in an environment where everyone was allowed and encouraged to take part in this dance in a way that fits who they really are – no judgement of one another, simply being able to express yourself and appreciate others. The joy and positive energy we’ve experienced in these places has been exceptionally freeing, and in running this event we want to share that feeling of freedom and expression with you.
*How are we working to achieve this?*
We want to challenge the implicit idea that all dancers identify as either men or women – ignoring the existence of non-binary/gender-diverse dancers – and that they should dance a particular role according to that identity.
It’s great to see that in many communities it’s becoming more common for dancers of a wide range of genders to choose to lead and follow – or do both! – and for non-heteronormative couples to be seen dancing together. However, we all too often see that the binary is still upheld, both in terms of gender as well as dance roles. To us, Queer Lindy means to not be limited by gendered structures in our choice of role, style of dancing, and who we dance with.
Do you want to follow? Lead? To choose a different role depending on the dance? Or do you and the person you’re dancing with agree to switch roles during the dance? We want you to make the choice for yourself. Part of this is helping bring awareness to the structures – that we sometimes don’t realise are there – that can limit us. We can then each decide how we want to use, or not use, those structures.
One of our further-reaching aims is to use this questioning of structures and hierarchies to examine our place in the Black American culture of dancing and music that we are guests in. As a group of White European dancers, we are very aware that we will always have work to do when it comes to taking part in this culture with appreciation and respect.
This event was inspired by Gothenburg Queer Lindy Festival which Rob, Lise and Marlies attended in 2018 and 2019. Having run our mini-festival in 2019, 2020 (in person) and 2021 (online), and now with Emily and Sarah joining us, we want to continue creating this space in Edinburgh where anyone can explore different dance roles and/or switching between them, regardless of their gender, presentation, level of experience, or anything else for that matter. Taking further cues from the wonderful folk at GQLF (who very generously gave us their blessing to use a similar name for our event), we also want to provide a platform for the LBGTQ+ community to be more visible within the Scottish swing dance scene.
In short, Edinburgh Queer Lindy Mini-Festival is a space for anyone who doesn’t feel dancing environments should be heteronormative and wants to dance where they are welcome and accepted for who they are.