The Function of Dance - The Waltz
"The Waltz was regarded as too sexually-dangerous for 'respectable' women in Europe and North America when it was first introduced in the nineteenth century. The combination of intoxicating fast whirling and a 'close' embrace was thought to be enough to make women take leave of their senses. Some advice books for women even claimed waltzing could lead to prostitution (Carter ed.: 1988:156)."This passage refers to the criticisms behind the Waltz during the early 19th century, when the dance's popularity rose and spread throughout Europe and North America. It describes the dance as being socially unacceptable for women of distinguished classes to participate in. This was because the compression of the opposite sexes' bodies against each other led to criticisms that the social dance was an unsophisticated and improper display (Video: Sex and Social Dance). Ironically, since the shocking introduction of the Waltz to distinguished society, opinions on the Waltz have gradually revolutionised to become almost the opposite. Today, the dance is even used as an example for young people, as to what behaviours modern-day society expects of them (Internet: Sex and Social Dance).
It is a social dance that's function is ritual. The 'close hold' created the impression of romance and intimacy. This is what set the Waltz apart from its previous social dances. From the suggestive dips of the Tango, to the short-skirted flapper girls who danced the Charleston, there have been many dances that have followed the Waltz's example. The idea that the Waltz was once 'too sexually dangerous' has ironically managed to obtain the exact opposite intention; that it is a way for people to express and control their sexuality instead of scandalising it (Internet: Sex and Social Dance). These varying functions of the Waltz were gradually formed according to the changing attitudes marked towards it. The Waltz was not the only social dance to be considered by society as an improper display. The dance was originally created for the purpose of meeting new people. The key function of the Waltz was a social one. It is now thought to demonstrate the appropriate roles that society has reserved for the different genders and create freedom to express oneself artistically. The Waltz can now be recognised at many formal occasions such as military balls, school proms (Internet: Sex and Social Dance) and is even taught to young adults at schools (Video: Sex and Social Dance). An example of this is the Wedding Waltz. Soon, during the 18th century, the Waltz spread to France, where the 'close hold' was introduced. There, it was performed by peasant couples, in which it consisted of only the entwinement of arms. Word length: 798 words (not including the passage).
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