The Sexual Politics of Ballroom Dancing

Description

This book presents an engaging sociological investigation into how gender is negotiated and performed in ballroom and Latin dancing that draws on extensive ethnographic research, as well as the author’s own experience as a dancer. It explores the key factors underpinning the popularity of this leisure activity and highlights what this reveals more broadly about the nature of gender roles at the current time. The author begins with an overview of its rich social history and shifting class status, establishing the context within which contemporary masculinities and femininities in this community are explored. Real and imagined gendered traditions are examined across a range of dancer experiences that follows the trajectory of a typical learner: from finding a partner, attending lessons and forming networks, through to taking part in competitions. The analysis of these narratives creates a nuanced picture of a dance culture that is empowering, yet also highly consumerist and image-conscious; a highly ritualised set of practices that both reinstate and transgress gender roles. This innovative contribution to the feminist leisure literature will appeal to students and scholars of anthropology, dance, sport, gender, cultural and media studies. Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Who Cares About Ballroom Dancing? (Vicki Harman)....Pages 1-28 A Social History of Ballroom and Latin Dancing (Vicki Harman)....Pages 29-50 Starting to Dance (Vicki Harman)....Pages 51-73 Building a Serious Leisure Career in Ballroom and Latin American Dancing (Vicki Harman)....Pages 75-89 Social Networks and Team Spirit (Vicki Harman)....Pages 91-104 Performing Serious Leisure: Competitions (Vicki Harman)....Pages 105-125 Gender, Ideals and Body Image (Vicki Harman)....Pages 127-149 Conclusion (Vicki Harman)....Pages 151-165 Back Matter ....Pages 167-170