Philly Queer Slowdance is a cozy, intimate evening with slow songs all night long, designated dancers to bring out the wallflowers, and a dancecard to set up dances in advance (if you choose to). It's a middle school dance for adults, but in the cutest and best way. Philly Queer Slowdance began in 2024, inspired by Toronto's Queer Slowdance.
You do not have to be queer to attend our events, but you must have an open mind, an open heart, and open arms. Do keep in mind that many of our attendees fall within the LGBTQIA+ continuum and may or may not be interested in dancing with the "opposite" sex, so if you are stridently straight, this may not be the most receptive community for you. That said, we hope for a wide plethora of attendees, and it is impossible to know who might show up on any given night.
Designated dancers are at the event to help bring you out to the dancefloor. If you are outgoing, warm, and willing to undertake the very serious duty and responsibility of inviting wallflowers out onto the dancefloor - if in fact, such a prospect gives you great joy - then please contact the organizers via Instagram or Eventbrite.
We are so very looking forward to dancing with you ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Upcoming Events
ButchFemme Philly Slowdance | Thursday, February 12th, 7:30pm, at Chai Nashta
Get your ticket here! Note that this event is for people who identify with the butch/femme audience, if that's not you, please kindly attend a different event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear??
Wear what makes you feel good and awesome. But leave off the perfume or cologne - when we're getting up close and cozy, it's very harsh for the scent-sensitive, so come fresh and looking nice.
What's a "Designated Dancer"?
There will be a handful of our Designated Dancers available to dance with you for the first portion of the evening - so arrive early! They will be identifiable, and these Designated Dancers are warm, charming, and safe people to ask to dance. Of course, the same Rules of Engagement apply, and they, as free agents, can decide for themselves who they want to dance with, and for how long, but in all likelihood, they would be very open to dancing with you. They will also be looking for you, and asking you to dance, trying in their way to turn any wallflowers into perennials.
How do I get a ticket? Are there tickets at the door?
For our January dance, there is a lo-fi form + Venmo RSVP option, or you may go the traditional Eventbrite ticketing route. For Eventbrite, use codes 5OFF and 10OFF respectively to tweak the ticket price to your PWYC ability :)
Yes! There will be tickets day of and at the door if we haven't sold out. You can buy a ticket on Eventbrite right there, up until 9:30pm. We suggest buying tickets beforehand, because if we sell out, we won't have door tickets.
Accessibility
Accessibility differs per event/venue, so check each event for that information. Masks are welcome, but not required, at PQSD events.
Safety and Taking Care of Each Other
Sometimes it happens that there is someone in the crowd who will make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable when dancing. This does not have to be an obvious thing, like leading with their groin, or touching you without asking. It could just be a weird feeling. You are more than within your rights to stop the dance right there, and not have to explain. You are more than within your rights to say to them, "Hey! Don't do that!" and then discuss your boundaries during the dance itself. We urge and encourage discussion of boundaries. If something like this happens, do please let a designated dancer or organizer know (the DDs can help you find an organizer). Organizers reserve the right to ask anyone to leave for any reason which does not have to be disclosed.
By attending Philly Queer Slowdance, you are agreeing to our Safer Spaces Policy. Please read it!