Degender Dance

Degender Dance with Kate n' Lou

Hey dancers! Welcome to the Degender Dance Podcast. This whole thing actually started in Lou’s Subaru—after dance class, talking for hours- we figured why not hit record! In this little intro episode, you can get to know your hosts—Kate and Lou. We’re dance buddies who love talking about gender, movement, queerness, dismantling the patriarchy, and all the weird stuff in between. You’ll hear how we met, what we’re into, and probably a few tangents along the way. 5,6,7,8!

  1. 14. Juli

    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.

  2. 23. Juni

    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!!!

  3. 14. Apr.

    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

    Queer Audacity: Adrian of Queerchata Means Business

Info

Hey dancers! Welcome to the Degender Dance Podcast. This whole thing actually started in Lou’s Subaru—after dance class, talking for hours- we figured why not hit record! In this little intro episode, you can get to know your hosts—Kate and Lou. We’re dance buddies who love talking about gender, movement, queerness, dismantling the patriarchy, and all the weird stuff in between. You’ll hear how we met, what we’re into, and probably a few tangents along the way. 5,6,7,8!