Ballroom - by Hilary French (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A tune-filled, light-footed people's history of ballroom dancing, from Vernon and Irene Castle and Arthur Murray to Dancing with the Stars.

In the early twentieth century, American ragtime and the Parisian Tango fueled a dancing craze in Britain. Public ballrooms--which had never been seen before--were built throughout the country, providing a glamorous setting for all classes to dance. The new styles of dance being defined and taught in the 1920s, as well as the films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the 1930s, ensured that ballroom dancing continued to be the most popular pastime until the 1960s, rivaled only by the cinema.

This book explores the vibrant history of Ballroom and Latin: the dances, the lavish venues, the competitions, and the influential instructors. It also traces the decline of competitive dancing and its resurgence in recent years with the hugely popular TV shows Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.

Review Quotes

"Strictly fans will love French's Ballroom, a 'people's history' of dancing that tells how American ragtime and Parisian tango fuelled a dancing craze in Britain in the early part of the last century. The book also charts the emergence of Latin dance, and the rise, fall and rise again of ballroom dancing."-- "Choice Magazine (UK)"

"A fascinating book. French tells the history of dance from the very beginning. I learnt a lot and found it immensely interesting and insightful. If you are interested in dance and how we have got to where we are today, this is an essential read. Enjoy!"--Matthew Cutler, British, UK and World's Latin champion, Strictly Come Dancing champion, and owner, Matico Dance Studio.

"Fascinating. . . . Tells the history of dance from the very beginning. . . . An essential read. It explores the dances, lavish venues, competitions and influential instructors. It also traces the decline of partner dancing and it resurgence in recent years with the hugely popular TV shows, Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars."-- "Dance News"

"French's chronicle begins in the early twentieth century, when the creation of public ballrooms in Britain opened ballroom dancing access to a range of social classes. The author traces ballroom dance development and examines the ten standard dances. She considers influences of the architecture of ballrooms, clothing worn, music composed for the dances, and various individuals and organizations supporting and regulating British ballroom dance. Useful discussion of distinctions and dialogues between social and competition approaches to the form is included. Also covered, briefly, are the influences of television dance shows in the late twentieth century and current practices. Numerous photos, illustrations, and charts enhance the text. Recommended."-- "Choice"

"French's fascinating people's history of dancing is also a cultural history of social space: those cathedral-sized palaces created to meet the enormous demand for dancing at the turn of the twentieth century."-- "Morning Star"

"Given the global popularity of Strictly Come Dancing and spin-offs, and the renaissance of partner dancing, it is amazing that no-one has written a cultural history of ballroombefore. French's pioneering book--written from the perspective of someone who combines a deep commitment to ballroom dancing with acknowledged expertise in design--combines social history, economics, fashion, music, dance technique and architecture and design in an engaging mix. At one level, this is the story of a very British phenomenon influenced by Hollywood, Latin America and Europe. At another, it is the story of a privileged pastime which morphed into working class culture. At yet another, it celebrates couple dancing over the solo variety. Ballroom has mapped out a rich area of study, and it blends scholarship with infectious enthusiasm."--Sir Christopher Frayling, cultural historian, broadcaster, and former rector of the Royal College of Art

"Have you ever watched Strictly Come Dancing and wondered about the history of ballroom and Latin dancing? If so, French has provided an authoritative and accessible introduction. . . . French's richly detailed book is thoroughly recommended for anyone intrigued by the social history of dancing."-- "BBC History"

"This book is a MUST read for anyone curious and interested in the special origins and developments of Ballroom and Latin American dancing."--Marcus Hilton MBE, with Karen Hilton MBE nine times World Professional Ballroom champion.

About the Author

Hilary French is professor of design studies at Bath Spa University. She is also a ballroom dancer and occasional competitor.