Build For Tomorrow Every New Dance Used To Be Scandalous
Apr 22, 2019
New dance styles have always faced backlash, from the scandalous waltz to modern grinding. The waltz, once deemed obscene, sparked lively debates in high society, revealing how perceptions of dance reflect societal norms. Historical opposition often fuels the popularity of these dances, as seen with rock and roll. The evolution of dance highlights generational conflicts, moral outrage, and the intertwining of culture with controversy. The journey of the waltz shows how public outrage can transform into acceptance over time.
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1812 Duel Over the Waltz
- General Thornton defended the new, scandalous waltz at a London party and challenged Theodore Hook, who opposed it, to a duel.
- Their disagreement over the dance escalated to violence, illustrating how seriously people took dancing controversies.
Waltz as Social Equalizer
- The waltz broke tradition by involving close physical contact and matching footwork between partners.
- This was revolutionary as it promoted socializing and hinted at gender equality, unsettling the old social order.
Moral Panic Over Women's Agency
- Moral objections to the waltz centered on fears of women's sexual promiscuity and its liberating effects.
- The dance equalized men and women, making women appear strong and independent, which threatened existing social norms.
