 What inspired you to create (or get involved with) your dance group or project? I feel so proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ dance community. You only have to step into a same-gender class, event, or competition to feel the joy, openness, and support from everyone attending. And a few years ago, the scene was really booming — new competitions were starting and entry numbers were higher than ever before. But when Covid hit, it almost felt like a giant reset button had been pushed, and we were having to build again from the beginning. We’ve made amazing progress in the last few years, but there is definitely still room to grow. I really wanted to help - I wanted to play my part in raising awareness and increasing visibility of same-gender dancing. Over the past year, I started taking more classes and trying new styles — always dancing as a follower with male teachers — and documenting my journey on social media to showcase same-gender dancing to as wide an audience as possible. That’s when people began messaging me, asking where they could find classes in their own country — so I set up Queer Dance Connect. The idea was to create pages on Facebook and Instagram where anyone can find LGBTQ+ dance events, classes, competitions, and even dance partners. I wanted to help people discover this amazing community and find spaces where they feel free to dance with whoever they like, and in whichever role they prefer. It is also a great channel for organizers to promote their own classes, and we have recently started building a collection of videos to showcase the very best of same-gender dancing from around the world. What moments or experiences helped you see the need for a space like this in the dance world? The alarm bell for me was a few years ago when I could see shrinking numbers of entrants at competitions and, in some cases, entire events being cancelled. It made me realise that our fantastic dance community could be at risk without active support. Once I started to post my own content and receive messages from people wanting to get involved, I knew there would be some real value in one central space where people could find classes, events and dance partners. What styles of dance are at the heart of your group’s work? One of the best things about Queer Dance Connect is that it’s open to all styles. Whilst ballroom and Latin will always be very close to my heart, I’m passionate about promoting any style and any class that’s been created for the LGBTQ+ community. That includes everything from Bollywood and Zouk, to Bachata and Commercial, and beyond. At its core, the platform is about helping people find a dance community where they can express themselves freely, in whatever style speaks to them. What types of events or activities does your group organize? Rather than organizing my own events, Queer Dance Connect exists to promote the incredible work that other organizers and teachers are already doing around the world. That said… the thought has definitely crossed my mind for Queer Dance Connect to potentially organize something of its own in the future — so watch this space! Who’s involved in running your organization or helping bring your events to life? Queer Dance Connect is powered by the incredible people and organizations who support it — from everyone who has requested a listing, to those who send me their own videos to be shared. Behind the scenes, I’m a team of one: I run the Facebook and Instagram pages, I reach out to new organizations, and I create all of the listings — all free of charge. And I’m incredibly proud to see how the platform continues to grow, but that growth is only possible because of the amazing support from teachers, organizers, and dancers who engage with it — and I’m hugely grateful for that. Has your group received any recent recognition, milestones, or moments that made you pause and think, “Yes, this is why we do this”? My original target was to reach 1,000 followers by Christmas — and we’ve already surpassed that. When you launch something new, you naturally expect slow growth at the beginning, so hitting that milestone ahead of schedule genuinely felt amazing. Earlier this year, I was also incredibly honored to receive the UK Equality Dance Council Champion Award for my work promoting same-gender dancing. That meant a huge amount to me – it felt like a confirmation Queer Dance Connect is helping our community, and that people are finding value in the platform. As well as continuing to grow the page, my next big goal is to introduce a brand-new dance partnership to the competitive scene. We have some incredibly talented dancers looking right now, and I’d love to see that perfect match come together very soon! Looking ahead, what’s next for your group? For Queer Dance Connect, my main focus will be continuing to grow the platform and expand to even more countries. There are still so many organizations, competitions, and dancers I’ve discovered that I would love to have listed on the page. I can also exclusively share that in 2026, I’ll be launching a new mobile app for dancers. It will be the perfect companion for competitive dancers, allowing them to create profiles, track their achievements, search for partners, and explore a global calendar of competitions and training events. The app is being designed with all dancers in mind — whether interested in mainstream events or same-gender — and in the long term, the aim is for this new platform and Queer Dance Connect to work together as one integrated system. More updates coming very soon! If your group had a theme song that captures its spirit, what would it be, and why? I’d have to say Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga, because – as well as being a total banger - it perfectly captures that feeling of stepping into something bold, exciting, and ultimately fabulous. Instagram - Queer Dance Connect Facebook - Queer Dance Connect Instagram - Tim Regan  Photo by: @documentedbyhenrit
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Elaine Anderson is a queer-affirming wedding dance teacher that helps couples create first dances that feel true to who they are. After years in ballroom and teaching wedding dances, Elaine saw how few spaces celebrated queer love stories, and she set out to change that by offering instruction grounded in authenticity, connection, and joy. Through in-person lessons, virtual coaching, and customized video choreography for couples around the world, she’s building a space where every partnership is honored and every love story gets to shine. We spoke with Elaine to learn more about what inspired her work, how she supports couples in feeling confident and seen, and what’s next for her growing community.  What inspired you to create (or get involved with) your dance group or project? I have been ballroom dancing for over a decade, and partner dancing is truly my passion. When I started teaching wedding dance years ago, I noticed a real lack of queer representation in the wedding dance world and in ballroom in general. I wanted to change that and create a safe and affirming space where queer couples could learn a dance that feels authentic to their relationship. For some couples, that means skipping the traditional leader and follower roles and instead creating movement that reflects their unique dynamic. At first, I focused on teaching in-person lessons to support the Boston queer community, but I knew I wanted to reach farther. When I started offering customized video choreography, I began working with queer couples all over the world. That was when I realized just how needed this space truly was. What moments or experiences helped you see the need for a space like this in the dance world? The first queer couple I ever taught told me that when they filtered their local search for LGBTQ+ instructors, I was the only one who came up. I was shocked. That moment made it clear how much representation and inclusivity were missing and how deeply needed this work really is.  What styles of dance are at the heart of your or your group’s work? I teach Foxy to most of my couples because it is romantic, simple to learn, and fits with almost any song. I also know the basics of nearly every ballroom style, so if a couple has a specific vision or favorite dance, I can absolutely make it happen. What types of events, activities, or resources do you organize or provide? Right now, I offer private lessons both in person and virtually, customized video choreography, and I am creating an online course for queer couples to learn their first dance from home. I would love to host in-person events or workshops in the future where couples can connect, dance, and celebrate queer joy together. If you host events or gatherings, how often do they take place? Not yet, but I hope to soon. If you're not a one-person show, who’s involved in running things or helping bring your events to life? My partner, who is not a trained dancer, has been such an incredible support. They help with videography feedback, aesthetics, and sometimes appear in videos. I also work with two amazing dancers who help demonstrate choreography for my clients and one talented video editor who brings everything together. Have you or your group received any recent recognition, milestones, or moments that made you pause and think, “Yes, this is why I/we do this”? So many messages from couples truly bring tears to my eyes. Some are from followers who say my content helped them feel seen, and others are from clients who are so happy and proud of how confident they felt during their first dance. Those moments remind me every single day why this work matters, and I am endlessly grateful for it.  Looking ahead, what’s next for you or your group? I am in the process of launching a full course for queer couples to learn their first dance. It is something I have dreamed about for a long time, and I cannot wait to help even more couples create a wedding dance that feels like them. If you or your group had a theme song that captures its spirit, what would it be, and why? I think I would have to go with “I’ve Had The Time of My Life.” It makes me laugh because so many clients worry I am going to add the Dirty Dancing lift to their routine. The song also perfectly captures the joy, connection, and playfulness I want couples to feel when they dance together. Is there anything else you'd like to share? It is such a privilege to help couples celebrate their love through dance. Whether they are dancing for thirty seconds or three minutes, it is a moment that stays with them forever, and I am honored to be part of it. Website: https://www.elaineandersondance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaineandersondance/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elaineandersondance Upcoming announcements: Online course for Queer Couples to learn their First Dance! Hopefully it will be dropped by the new year!  Divergent Dance is a new queer-led West Coast Swing project in Portland that’s carving out brave, joyful, gender-free spaces for partner dancers of all identities. Their work centers inclusion, consent, accessibility, and the belief that dance should be a place where everyone can show up as their full self. We sat down with co-founders Emily and Jane to learn more about what inspired this movement, how they’re building community, and their hopes for the future of partner dance in Portland and beyond.  Q&A What was the moment that made you say, ‘Portland needs Divergent Dance, and we’re going to build it’? It started as a desire within each of us to be visible examples of degendering the dance floor - switching roles, laughing through mistakes, and realizing that West Coast Swing has this built-in magic: it already holds space for creativity, choice, and conversation. And yet, so often, it’s still taught and danced through a binary lens. Gender roles feel uncomfortable to both of us, and we want to help shift that. We knew Portland needed a home for dancers who want to move past “tradition” and step into inclusion because WE need that - a space where queer, trans, neurodivergent folks, and allies could exhale within a container that didn’t predetermine anyone’s participation. And also that anyone, regardless of gender or identity, can dance any role. Divergent Dance was born from that spark: the belief that dance is liberation. A lot of work has already been done to degender WCS. We both feel lucky to have Phoenix Grey here in Portland, someone who has helped pave the way for what we are trying to do now. He continues to be an inspiration for us and we see Divergent Dance as our way of continuing the work that has been done by him and others. We are both novice dancers and we see that as a good thing. We might not have the name recognition and the influence needed to change things on a national level (yet). We can get started though in our local community, creating spaces for people like us. Your posts talk about joy being revolutionary and that dance is for *every* body. How does that show up in your classes and socials? Every time someone steps onto the floor in their own body, on their own terms, and feels celebrated instead of judged, that’s revolutionary. In our classes, we invite everyone to try both leading and following, to play, to experiment, and to express themselves. At our socials, we hold the same values: no rigid gender rules, no pressure to “look” a certain way, just people connecting, co-creating, and having fun. We build in body autonomy to the learning experience by asking dancers to check in with themselves often about their access needs - we want to be leaders who create an accessible space for participation and co-regulation through dance. Looking Ahead, what’s one dream you have for Divergent Dance in the next year -- whether it’s an event, a milestone, or a feeling you hope the community walks away with? Emily wants to dismantle gender roles. “I want to walk into a space where there is no connection between gender and how we are expected to dance, or who we are expected to dance with. I want ‘women follow’ and ‘men lead’ to be a binary relic of the past. And we are seeing more of that in our Portland community for sure, but we want to spread the degendering magic to other communities as well.” Jane wants to create accepting WCS spaces. “As a visibly queer and trans individual, I have not always felt welcomed or comfortable in the broader dance world. When I enter into a dance space that is not queer specific, I feel like I am on alert the entire time. Just waiting for the inevitable weird look or comment. I have talked with many queer people who want to learn WCS, they just don’t ever try because of the fear of being unwelcomed or judged for who they are. That barrier is not acceptable to me. Everyone deserves to learn and dance in a space they feel comfortable.” Together, we want to build a community where people can come together regularly, to share in the joy of dancing without judgment or expectations. We hope to grow Divergent Dance in a way that feels sustainable so that it can thrive into the foreseeable future. We want to feel like we are meeting the needs of the community and that people are excited to keep coming back. We want everyone to walk away from one of our events already looking forward to the next one.  If Divergent Dance had a theme song (that we could dance West Coast Swing to of course), what would it be and why? Divergent Dance doesn't have a theme song. We have a whole playlist that reflects the queer experience. Sometimes it's unapologetic confidence and empowerment. Other times it's tender ballads that honor the healing happening on the floor. It can be unexpected pop hits that make you feel alive and free, and soulful tracks about connection as care. Just like our community, our soundtrack refuses to be just one thing. We're here to celebrate the music that inspires you! (and yes, we take requests!) How can folx get involved with Divergent Dance either through volunteering or Participation? We absolutely accept help of all kinds! Want to check people in at the door, help with outreach, DJ a set, assist with setup/breakdown, spread the word on social media, or offer your skills in ways we haven't even thought of yet? We're building this together, and we are so grateful for our community helping make Divergent Dance successful. In terms of participation, please join us at our inaugural event (details below)! Even if you're nervous to dance, come enjoy the vibes and see what it's all about. We're creating a choice-based environment with no required participation, plenty of nervous system regulation support, and space to just be present however feels right for you. Here's what we mean by nervous system regulation support: We recognize that dance spaces can be overwhelming—bright lights, loud music, social pressure, and sensory input coming from all directions. At Divergent Dance, we're intentionally creating clear communication about what to expect so there are no surprises, explicit permission to take breaks or sit out without explanation, and a culture that normalizes different ways of being in the space. We're teaching and modeling enthusiastic consent for asking someone to dance, which means "no thank you" is always respected without hurt feelings. Your comfort and autonomy matter here. You can dance every song or none of them. You belong here either way. Bring your curiosity, your authentic self, and your desire to be part of something new. That's all you need. Our inaugural event is coming up! WHERE: Dance with Joy Studios, 8051 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 WHEN: Thursday November 6th, 7:30-10:30pm DETAILS: We will have a beginner lesson 7:30-8:30pm, taught by Anne Christine from Corvallis WCS (thank you, Anne!) and social dancing 8:30-10:30pm. Follow us on the Divergent Dance IG to stay updated. Please join us if you are able or send any questions to [email protected]. Divergent Dance Mission Statement: DIVERGENT DANCE is queer a dance movement. We are a trans, nonbinary, queer, neurodivergent-owned partner dance project carving out spaces where rules and roles don’t box anyone in. Through West Coast Swing socials, lessons, and workshops, we create brave, joyful spaces where dancers can lead, follow, and switch - free from gendered expectations. Our mission is simple: dance like yourself, connect like it matters, and build community that feels like home. Divergent Dance Website and Social Media: IG: divergentdancepdx, website coming soon!  |
