to ask if you think this would be offensive

[TirednWorried]

I have to put together themed group dances for eachof 15 classes for an end of year show, so i am looking over the last 10 or 14 years to see of there is anything that can be reused.
One is a native American themed dance to Running bear which afor anyone is basically about Romeo andJuliet type scenario between young lovers of different tribes.There would be no headdresses etc but the dance id quite sort of hoppy and arms folded like a native american. I;ll get them to where neutral coloures legging and T shirt and probably plaits in their hair.
Is that offensive / too much do you think?
YABU yes poor form
YANBU OK

We've had Irish dancing at school, all of them do it, should the black kids not be allowed to?

The PP you've quoted specifically says Irish dancing is fine.

Could you look for something that incorporates British heritage and culture? The dancing group, are they called Diversity? They've done loads of poignant pieces to reflect significant issues.

Hopping around dressed like First Nation people is def not something that’s gone mainstream and is acceptable like bloody River Dance is.

This is a diffwerent organisation, but something silmilar.

For obvious reasons.

There will always be someone who takes offense at the sort of thing but I personally wouldn't see it as offensive no

Horrendous idea. If I was a viewer I would complain.

@TirednWorried

This is a diffwerent organisation, but something silmilar.

Oh no please don't do this! It is offensive, it really is. If there's no connection to this heritage at all.

Where are you based? Is there no local inspiration?

@idontlikealdi

Cultural power imbalances and the Cultural meaning of dance

For example I'd object to a non native American teacher using stereotypical dance moves to portray a story of significance, and because of the role of dance within that culture

I'd be okay with a teacher from that heritage talking about the dance or showing them the dance, and possibly teaching it if a appropriate.

There's interesting background to things like dance in Hawaii where traditionally only certain people would do that dance, certain element are "earned" and akin to sacred. That is unlikely to be a dance to teach in schools

I wouldn't be okay with a random teacher just using it for a cool theme, and relying on 70s stereotypes (like Germans goose walking)

OP is taking the piss.
The video you added is ridiculous.
Reporting.

Sounds deeply offensive and if I saw this I would make a complaint about it.

It's never appropriate to play pretend at other cultures and you would be insane to do it.

Thanks. I definitely dont want to give offense , so we will probably ditch it

No, don’t do it

Yeah a definite no to that youtube video

Wasn't there a hit song in the early 60s on this story

Running Bear?

OP is taking the piss.
The video you added is ridiculous.
Reporting.

what ? This is one of the top acro clubs in the UK !

Anyway Thanks. I def wont do it

I definitely dont want to give offense , so we will probably ditch it
Probably? You're so thoughtful.

I hope european themes will be ok? Having to think of so many themes is tough

No. You’ll get grief.

In case this is serious, OP if you have to ask because something seems a bit off, just don't do it.

Can you look at eras? Style of dance? Eg rock, 70s glam, jail House Rock ish?

What do you mean by European themes? Is this about different culture dances of just 15 different dances?

It's never appropriate to play pretend at other cultures

This happens in loads of performances though — look at the second act of The Nutcracker. Or Joseph and his Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat.

Can you look at eras? Style of dance? Eg rock, 70s glam, jail House Rock ish?

What do you mean by European themes? Is this about different culture dances of just 15 different dances?

Mo just 15 different themes. Some will be christmassy, but we cant have 15 of them

I don’t think it’s offensive, but in the current climate you’re bound to upset someone so would probably avoid for that reason alone.