Equality in Dance with Stuart Hatton

In this Teach.Dance interview, Stuart Hatton joins Jess to talk about equality in dancing — from same-sex partnerships in Ballroom and Latin to the wider conversation about gender identity and inclusion in dance.

As both a professional dancer and proud LGBTQ+ advocate, Stuart shares his personal experiences, challenges, and hopes for a more open and accepting future across all dance styles.

Key Discussion Points:

• The difference between same-sex and equality dancing, and how the equality circuit allows partners to swap roles.
• How societal attitudes, not dance technique, often shape opinions about who should dance together.
• The importance of visibility and conversation across all styles — from Ballroom to Classical Sequence.
• The rise of representation on mainstream shows like Strictly Come Dancing and how this helps shift public perception.
• How teachers can create safe, inclusive spaces for every dancer to feel accepted and supported.

Closing thoughts:
Stuart reminds us that, at its core, dance is just dancing — it’s movement, music, and expression, not defined by gender or expectation. His message to teachers is simple but powerful: create a safe space.

Your class might be the only place where a dancer truly feels like they can be themselves. As attitudes evolve, teachers have an important role to play in leading with empathy, awareness, and openness.