Degender Dance

Degender Dance with Kate n' Lou
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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. 5 days ago

    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 From rigid gender roles and major hierarchies to gender inequality and outdated norms, our dance communities have inherited a lot more than just dancing.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!!!

    23 min

  2. 9 Jun

    Welcome to Season 2: What We Love + Hate About Dance

    We're back for Season 2! In this kickoff episode, we sit down to unpack our complicated relationship with partner dance. From the intoxicating magic of a truly great connection to the patriarchal overtones woven through modern partner dance scenes, nothing is off the table. We talk about what drew us to build Degender Dance in the first place, what keeps us passionate about it, what we'd love to see change, and what's next.Along the way, we get into the highs and lows of social dancing, the joy of music and community, the frustrations of outdated and harmful norms, and gendered expectations, and why we believe another way is possible. Expect tangents, strong opinions, plenty of laughs, and a few moments where we get properly fired up. Also, stay til the end cuz also share some mega news, so consider this your invitation to catch up with us before some exciting changes ahead! And since you made it this far: what do you love and hate about dance?

    45 min

  3. 19 May ·  Bonus

    That’s a Wrap for Season 1…What’s Next?!

    That’s a wrap on our first season here at The Degender Dance Podcast! Thank you so much to everyone for joining us in our first year of podcasting- we love our listeners💕🫶🏼 Tune in to check out what’s next and get excited about all the stuff we’ve cooked up for you in season 2 and much more! Season 2 starts with a bang 💥 on June 9th, 2026

    3 min
  4. Everyone’s Invited: Disability Advocacy in Dance with Madeline Webster-Perry

    28 Apr

    Everyone’s Invited: Disability Advocacy in Dance with Madeline Webster-Perry

    How accessible is your dance scene? Is dance ableist? What can disability advocacy do for partner dance? What on earth is going to happen to your dance life when you become older or disabled? If the whole world had access to dance, would it be a better place? In this week’s episode we sit down with Madeline Webster-Perry (she/her), a Queer Lindy Hop dancer from St. Louis, Missouri, and get into it. Madeline is a consultant and trainer in disability employment and is passionate about disability inclusion, accessibility and fostering dialogue in dance spaces. The truth is, partner dance (along with the rest of the world) caters to a narrow demographic. In this conversation, we hear Madeline’s perspective on what can be done to make communities accessible and more diverse, the value of disability advocacy for everyone and about how sometimes you just gotta be a squeaky wheel. Check out Madeline’s IG @stlfemme and on FB at Madeline Webster-Perry. We also discuss her work with Charting The LifeCourse; check it out here https://www.lifecoursetools.com !

    1hr 2min
  5. Queer Audacity: Adrian of Queerchata Means Business

    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

    53 min

  6. 24 Mar

    Kate n’ Lou Go Contra Dancing

    In this episode, Lou introduces Kate to Contra Dancing for the very first time, starting with a crash course on what it is and its roots of Renaissance country dances to its uniquely American evolution. Lou shares some of the layered history of contra, including how live calling became central to the form. Then we head to Lake City Contra to experience it in real life. We enjoy the sounds of the hall, the live band, and Kate gets to step into the long lines for the first time. While we’re there, we get a wonderful interview with organizer Sherry Nevins, who talks about community and the shift toward degendered language in modern contra spaces. She explains why the terms “Larks and Robins” matter and how they helped make the dance more welcoming. After dancing (and a lot of eye contact), we sit down to debrief. Kate reflects on what it felt like to try Contra for the first time, what was surprising, what was challenging and joyful, both grateful we now what a Bouzouki is! Special thanks to everyone at Lake City Contra, Sherry Nevins, caller Elizabeth Monica and the band Old Sock for helping us twinkle our toes!

    32 min
  7. The DEI Dancer With Rassamy

    10 Mar

    The DEI Dancer With Rassamy

    This week we have the pleasure of talking to Rassamy, a West Coast Swing dancer, DJ, teacher, woman of color, cultural educator and ex Meta user in the greater Seattle area.We dive into her DEI work in West Coast Swing, and what it means to build accessible and justice-centered dance spaces. We hear all about her move away from social media, specifically Meta, as a political and personal choice, all while still organizing and participating in her dance communities. We also couldn’t help but hear a little about the questionable Lindy Vs. West Coast Swing feud too! Check out her work 💃🏽https://rassamy.com/

    50 min

  8. 24 Feb

    Groove is in the Heart 💓 and the Heart is in the Basics

    This week we’re getting into the basics. Why rushing into flashy patterns can strip away the soul of a dance. Why groove > quantity. And why the “basic” step and other foundational groove and technique is actually the skeleton of the dance and every flashy move too. The basics aren’t working? Neither will the advanced move.We also get into teaching beginners, retaking classes in the opposite role, ableism in dance spaces, and how focusing on fundamentals creates more inclusive scenes and lifelong dancers.Because basic aren’t boring.They’re the heart of every partner dance.

    31 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Degender Dance with Kate n' Lou
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Degender Dance with Kate n' Lou
  • Show Website
    Degender Dance