Description
Book SynopsisBased on new archival research, this book uniquely presents a fresh interrogation of how, among London's fashionable society, dancing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was variously a means of social modelling, change, conformity and creative individual expression.
Trade Review'The strength of this book lies in the variety of facets of social dance in the late Victorian/early twentieth century which it addresses. This range of content culminates in a rich picture of time, place, people, their dances and their dancing.' - Alexandra Carter, Emeritus Professor in Dance Studies, University of Middlesex, UK
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface List of Illustrations Contents PART I: SOCIETY DANCES Fashionable Bodies and Society Dancing Fashioning Dance Histories The Seasonal Round Public Spaces Late Victorian Repertoire Anarchy in the Ball Room PART II: FASHIONING GENTILITY A Noble Profession Temples of Terpsichore The Fashioning of Ladies Modelling the Lady Where are our Men? Dancing Dogs and Manly Men PART III: MODERN MOVES Moving into the Twentieth Century Modernizing Terpsichore Civilization Under Threat Knuts and Aliens Civilizing from the Centre Looking Back, Moving On Notes Bibliography Index