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Ballroom dancing

Ballroom dancing: Laurie Taylor explores its social history and sexual politics.

Ballroom dancing: Laurie Taylor explores its social history and sexual politics with Hilary French, Professor of Design Studies at Bath Spa University and author of a new book which charts the evolution of a form of dance which originated in upper class, private balls but became a mass, working class pastime in the early 20th century. From Hollywood movies to Mecca dance halls. What explains its rise and fall and rise again, in the current moment? They're joined by Vicki Harman, Reader in Sociology at University of Surrey, who unpacks the intriguing appeal of ballroom in the light of changing gender norms which question the notion that a man should 'lead'.

Producer: Jayne Egerton

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Mon 6 Jun 2022 00:15

Guests and Further Reading


Ballroom: A People鈥檚 History of Dancing (Reaktion Books)


The Sexual Politics of Ballroom Dancing (Palgrave Macmillan)

Broadcasts

  • Wed 1 Jun 2022 16:00
  • Mon 6 Jun 2022 00:15

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