In the early twentieth century, American ragtime and the Parisian tango fuelled a dancing craze in Britain. Public ballrooms were built throughout the country, providing a glamorous setting for dancing. The new English style, defined in the 1920s and followed by the films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the '30s, ensured that ballroom dancing continued to be the most popular British pastime until the 1960s, rivalled only by the cinema. This book explores the vibrant history of ballroom and Latin dancing: the dances, lavish venues, competitions and influential instructors. It also traces the decline of couple dancing and its resurgence in recent years with the hugely popular TV shows Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.

About the Author
Hilary French is Professor of Design Studies at Bath Spa University. She is also a ballroom dancer and occasional competitor. She lives in London.


Book Information
ISBN 9781789145151
Author Hilary French
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Reaktion Books
Publisher Reaktion Books