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Sexual orientation and professional dance

J M Bailey1, M Oberschneider

  • 1Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-2710, USA.

Archives of Sexual Behavior
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
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Professional male dancers are often stereotyped as gay. This study found gay men reported earlier, more intense dance interest and more feminine childhoods than heterosexual men, with sexual orientation preceding dance involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Performing Arts

Background:

  • A common stereotype suggests male professional dancers are predominantly gay.
  • Limited research exists on the validity of this stereotype or the reasons behind a potential association between male dancers and homosexuality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of homosexuality in professional dance.
  • To explore the relationship between male dancers' sexual orientation and their early interest in dance.
  • To understand the developmental pathways and perceptions regarding sexual orientation and dance.

Main Methods:

  • 136 professional dancers were interviewed.
  • Data collected on the prevalence of homosexuality, individual sexual development, and inter-group relationships.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Dancers' perceptions of sexual orientation distribution and personal experiences were recorded.

    • Main Results:

    • Dancers estimated over 50% of male dancers are gay, versus a small minority of female dancers being lesbian.
    • Gay male dancers reported earlier and more intense interest in dance compared to heterosexual men and women.
    • Gay men recalled more feminine childhood behaviors than heterosexual men, and their homosexual feelings generally preceded dance involvement.

    Conclusions:

    • The stereotype of male professional dancers being predominantly gay has some basis in perception, though individual experiences vary.
    • Early interest in dance and certain childhood behaviors may be associated with gay identity in male dancers.
    • Sexual orientation appears to be established prior to significant engagement in professional dance for most gay male dancers.