ABC rules out intimate same-sex partners on Dancing with the Stars
The idea of two men dancing together is too much for ABC, which has said no to a performance on Dancing with the Stars.
According to TMZ, the network decided to axe elements of an upcoming performance by the artist ‘Who is Fancy’, featuring Ariana Grande and Meghan Trainor.
The performance of the song ‘Boys Like You’, which is about two men falling in love, was to feature two men ballroom dancing.
Set to take place on 23 November, TMZ reports that ABC bosses said no to the performance.
According to the site, the choreographer for Who Is Fancy emailed ABC to say it would “be an awesome look to have 2 males dancing with each other.”
A DWTS producer responded: “Apologies all but this is a definitive no from the network.”
The plot thickens, however, as “near dancing” is apparently allowed for same-sex partners on the show.
An example of “near dancing” includes a recent performance by two men – Alek and Carlos, who this week shared the stage.
ABC has not responded to the TMZ report, but according to the site, a source said: “Creative conversations are ongoing about the dance number.”
The debate about same-sex ballroom dancing partners is also taking place this side of the pond.
The BBC in September refuted a claim by a television star who said he was blocked from appearing on Strictly Come Dancing after he requested a male dance partner.
CJ de Mooi, who has starred in the Eggheads game show, claimed he was snubbed by the programme after he said he wanted a same-sex dance partner.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood previously confirmed changes will take place in the next two seasons to remove the gender rules – but now doubts that will happen until at least 2016.
Amid controversy over the issue, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith – who took the crown on the series back in 2012 – spoke out in favour.
He told the Mirror: “I don’t see nothing wrong with that. Ballroom dancing has rules – like you can’t do lifts in the waltz unless its an American Smooth, and things like that, and you get penalised.
“And I don’t know what the rules are in the ballroom world about that sort of thing.
“But if it’s allowed, why not? Mix it up a little bit!”
However, not everybody agrees.
Former Strictly dancer James Jordan caused controversy by saying that having a same sex couple dancing on the show would be “wrong” because “they would lose so many viewers.”
He went on: “I have nothing against same-sex couples, if they want to go and do their own competitions.
“But ballroom and Latin dancing is about a man dancing with a woman – that’s fact.”
Although when his wife, current Strictly dancer Ola Jordan was asked if she agreed with him, she said flatly “no”.
