Hi,
So I am wondering what everyone's opinion is on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to compete in Collegiate levels of international ballroom. Also does anyone know if there are currently any rules for or against this?

thanks,
krista

I guess it comes down to this question. Would same sex partners help or hurt the sport of Ballroom. 99.9% of people don't give a flip who sleeps with who, including me, so that Isn't the issue. So then 'What' is ballroom. Ballroom 'IS' a dance of, or a romantic expression between, a Man and a Woman. This goes back to its inception. This precedence should not be despoiled. So then this could change the very meaning of Ballroom, and thereby hurt it.

This is my personal opinion. I hope it is not taken out of context or misconstrued to mean something it was never intended.
Carl Candiano
Warner Robins, GA

Hi Krista,

In the US, this is perfectly allowable! I normally dance as a follower (as I am a woman). However, where I live it is often difficult to find partners especially once you hit the silver level and on up. Last year, I danced several competitions as a leader as I had a friend who could follow (who was also female). We didn't win anything; however, we did make callbacks in our dances and I have often seen that the same-sex couples tend to do better as in order to be able to dance both the leader and follower parts, one must develop a better sense of the moves, the dance and the connection. I would say if you are interested in doing this, by all means, full speed ahead!!

Best of luck to you!