Dance Matters for Boys and Fathers

In this article, Isto Turpeinen and Ralph Buck reflect on reasons why dance remains relatively inaccessible for boys. They note that constructions of dance and masculinity are relatively narrow. They note that while these meanings are evolving, within the classroom context, the words ‘dance’ and ‘boy’ continue to raise many issues for teachers. In the following, Isto and Ralph draw upon their own teaching experience and speak to practices that might make a difference.

Boys do dance, but who cares if they don’t? Within education contexts and within society, males have ample opportunities for success, achievement and fulfilment. It seems that many boys who want to dance can, and those boys who want to play ice hockey and rugby can. Do boys need to dance? This article reflects on Turpeinen’s (2015) research on teaching boys in Finland and a key finding that draws attention to the power of dance in fostering and expressing love, most importantly the expression of love between fathers and sons.

As professional male dance educators, both Isto and Ralph have taught boys and girls for over 30 years in Finland and New Zealand. This article takes the view that dance does matter for boys and girls, in various ways.