It is really sad to see the recent events that have transpired in the lindy hop community. Yet another instructor who was idolized has taken advantage of their celebrity status and sexually assaulted several women over what sounds like a period of several years (considering several accounts were not dated).

The community has been using social media to spread opinions, dialogues, and conversations on how we should handle such things moving forward, and spreading hate for one individual. Let me start with the fact that I believe all of these victims that have come forward. I support them as I know it is a difficult thing to deal with the fallout that comes from being sexually assaulted. But the mob mentality that has come from the community in the guise of lets make everything better is not going to help. It is time to put down the pitchforks and torches. Nothing will change until we as a community are willing to change some of our behavior and how we view others. This isn’t the first time that something of this sort has happened, and it probably won’t be the last either.

I ask that you keep an open mind as you read the next part. I know that this will be a hard pill to swallow, especially for some in the lindy hop community. We need to get rid of this celebrity/rock star status that is happening. I’ve been in the community for over 6 years now, and during that time I have watched our views of instructors and musicians spiral out of control. All of the top name instructors, some of the advanced dancers who travel and compete regularly, and some of the top call bandleaders are treated as though they are rock stars. They are placed on a pedestal above all else, and treated as though they can do no wrong.

This status is only perpetuated by the high school social hierarchy currently present in the swing dance community. Those holding that rock star status are similar to the jocks and cool kids. Almost everyone that isn’t in that group wants to be. While many will reject the idea, especially those holding this status, it does hold true. This is what leads to the issues we have seen over the past few years whether it be sexual assault, controversies with playing music for competitions, or even not paying instructors for teaching at an event.

The opinions and thoughts of those who hold this status are taken to be the gospel of the lindy hop community. Rather than questioning, debating, or finding the truth ourselves, many just consume these opinions as though they are complete truths that cannot be contested.

This mentality that currently plagues the lindy hop community is hurting everything about what we do. We’re overlooking new talent because every event organizer that is not Michael Gamble, Amy Johnson, or Hillary Alexander is un-willing to give an opportunity to emcees, DJ’s, bands, and instructors because they aren’t an already established rock star name in the community. Some of these DJ’s, emcees, instructors and musicians are showing more talent or dedication to the craft than some of the top call staff, but yet not given a chance because of the politics of this hierarchy.

Should we respect instructors, musicians, event organizers, emcees, and DJ’s for their talents? Absolutely. Should we put them on a pedestal above all else? Absolutely not. We should respect everyone in the community equally, regardless of whether they are an instructor, musician, social dancer, competitor, event organizer, or just an on-looker. Stop putting people on a pedestal, doing so is creating unrealistic standards for everyone in the community, and perpetuating a culture where people are continually hurt both physically and emotionally.

So why don’t we take this tragedy that has recently come to light and use it as an opportunity to turn a new leaf as an entire community. Lets get rid of the rock-star status that just continues to hurt people in every possible way, and work on building a supportive community that is willing to give people a chance based on their talent and not based on being considered a rock star, where we respect all people no matter their talent level, and where we support each other like a family.