Fear, Coping and Peer Support in Male Dance Students’ Reflections

Abstract

This chapter offers a compelling overview of male dance students’ predicaments of masculinity in Finland. The chapter provides a much-needed insight into fear, coping, and peer support in male dancing by focusing on young men’s gender-specific dance education experiences. While noting the value of gender-specific peer groups for boys in dance, the authors argue that such groups are not self-evidently safe enough to fully perform gender and sexuality without fear due to cis- and heteronormativity. Recommendations highlight gender-sensitive and inclusive teaching in dance schools as the first step in creating safer spaces for young people to be themselves and celebrate the choices they genuinely value.