Approved for All Ages
19th Century Ball, A: The Charm of Group Dances
A 19th Century Ball: The Charm of Group Dances is the sixth in the How To Dance Through Time video series. This video reveals the flirtatious interplay of the group dances in the ballroom. The Grand March is the elegant ceremonial opening to the ball. It enables all the participants to view their perspective dance partners for the evening's activities. The Lancers Quadrille is a popular Square dance formation of the 19th century. Its five sections display a mini-encyclopedia of fluid geometric patterns. The Cotillon figures offer opportunities for dancers to "mix n' match" as well as to feature their dancing expertise, through improvisational dancing games. Professional dancers demonstrate the patterns with both aerial and front camera views. Each dance is introduced with historical information, illuminating the social context of the dances. Original illustrations accompany the descriptions. The dances are performed with appropriate music and fashions of the era.
