Eager to learn how to shorty-George, toe-heel-swivel, toss across and drop boogie but don't care for the gender trappings that typically accompany swing dancing? Well, hop into your 1947 Chevy Fleetline and cruise on down to Pehrspace, where you can pick up some pointers from Effie Ralli's Rock-Step at the Mid-¢ Shake: A Queer Sock-hop (II). Upon her recent move to Los Angeles from the Bay Area, Ralli started the gender-neutral dance parties because she found that the vibrant same-sex swing set she enjoyed up north was more elusive here. Ralli says, “I decided that I needed to create the space that I couldn't find, in a setting where queer people/non-normative folk could finally be comfortable and have a ridiculous amount of fun!” Learn to both lead and follow while DJs spin rock & roll from the 1950s and '60s, and let Ralli show you that greased-up pompadours and poodle skirts are sexiest when bouncing to a more progressive beat. Pehrspace, 325 Glendale Blvd., Historic Filipinotown; Fri., May 10, 8:30 p.m.; $5. (213) 483-7347, facebook.com/EffiesRockStep.

Fri., May 10, 8:30 p.m., 2013

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