Ballroom Blitz
By Charles Karel Bouley
Homophobia in the entertainment business seems anathema to some, since gays are thought to permeate the industry. The same could be said regarding homophobia in the Ballroom Dance community; yet, it certainly exists.
Dance instructor Gloria Paternostro sensed an unfriendly reception toward same-sex couples who inquired about ballroom dance. As a dance instructor for 10 years at a major company, she would see the looks same-sex couples would get, or the responses they’d receive when they’d call to ask if they could dance together in the lessons.
“Legally, they can’t be refused,” Paternostro said. “But, that doesn’t mean they were made to feel overly safe or welcomed. I wanted to change that, so I suggested we work in collaboration. I started ‘Shall We Dance?’ for same-sex couples, and we could refer clients to each other. They wanted no part of it, so I left and did it on my own.”
“Not [many dance companies] were, or are, interested in serving this portion of the ballroom community,” she added. “First, it’s a fight to keep the lights on quite often. Second, we teach American Social Dance, not competition ballroom, and most dance instruction agencies or instructors don’t care to specialize in the LGBT areas.”
“Shall We Dance” began in Burbank 15 years ago as a safe environment for members of the LGBT community to learn to dance. It’s a series of six-week courses designed around skill levels to get same-sex couples dancing popular and classic ballroom dances. While it is great exercise, Paternostro is quick to point out it’s so much more.
“This is a safe place to come and have fun, to not be judged, gawked at or frowned upon in any way,” she said. “It’s not just about dance; it’s about finding out who you are, about empowerment, about growing and challenging yourself. Dancing is a great way to express feelings and emotions, to feel passion — and it’s about being around people who love and accept you for who you are without judgment. It’s much more than learning a few steps and a swirl.”
Class sizes are small, and Paternostro knows the economy and other financial issues may contribute to lower enrollment numbers.
“I thought ‘Dancing With the Stars’ would help our business a little, but not so much,” she said. “But, that’s not what we do anyway; this is about social dancing, and that means leading or following. I’m a big believer in leading and following. Someone leads; someone follows. That’s how we dance. Once we’re teamed up, we teach the needed steps, but it’s the students that bring the fun, the passion, the excitement to each and every class. Each of the students is a star — as dramatic as that may sound — at least to me.
“Through the years our classmates form bonds, even with me,” Paternostro continued. “So many have gone on but come back for our events, like the New Year’s Eve party that we do. It’s quite special. Some have become instructors. I’ve had employees whose own parents wouldn’t welcome their partners, but we did, and do.”
For more information about “Shall We Dance,” visit http://shallwedancela.yolasite.com or call (909) 861-1122. Classes are $15 each, or $65 for the entire series, and are held Tuesdays at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, located at 340 St. Ann’s Drive in Laguna Beach. Both Level 1 and Level 2 Ballroom courses are offered on the same evenings, starting at 6 p.m. In addition to regular classes, the company also conducts workshops on various dances such as the tango or foxtrot. On April 10 and Nov. 13, Shall We Dance is sponsoring dance parties at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach for $15.