Abdiel Jacobsen and Kristine Bendul on Gender-Neutral Hustle and Competitive Ballroom Dancing

Kristine Bendul and Abdiel Jacobsen have decided it’s time to retire that old chestnut permanently. Jacobsen, a former principal with the Martha Graham Dance Company, and Bendul, a Broadway performer and choreographer, have teamed up to compete in professional ballroom dancing as a gender-neutral couple. They, clad in high heels, organically switch between leading and following several times within a dance. “The future is fluid,” Jacobsen says.