Ballroom

‘Haveyou ever watched Strictly Come Dancing and wonderedabout the history of ballroom andLatin dancing? If so, Hilary French hasprovided an authoritative and accessible introduction …French’s richly detailed book isthoroughly recommended for anyone intrigued by the social history of dancing.’ - BBCHistory magazine‘Fascinating … tells the history of dance from the very beginning …an essential read. It explores the dances, lavish venues, competitions andinfluential instructors. It also traces the decline of partner dancing and itresurgence in recent years with the hugely popular TV shows,Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with theStars.’ - Dance News‘This book is a MUST read for anyone curious and interested in the specialorigins and developments of Ballroom & Latin American dancing.’ - MarcusHilton MBE. With Karen Hilton MBE ninetimes World Professional Ballroom champion.‘A fascinating book. Hilary French tells the history of dance from the verybeginning. I learnt a lot and found it immensely interesting and insightful.If you are interested in dance and how we have got to where we are today,this is an essential read. Enjoy!’ - Matthew Cutler, British, UK and World’sLatin champion, Strictly Come Dancing champion and owner, Matico DanceStudio.‘French’s fascinating people’s history of dancing is also a culturalhistory of social space: those cathedral-sized palaces created to meet theenormous demand for dancing at the turn of the twentieth century.’ - MorningStar‘Strictly fans will love Hilary French’sBallroom, a “people’s history” of dancing that tells howAmerican ragtime and Parisian tango fuelled a dancing craze in Britain in theearly part of the last century. The book also charts the emergence of Latindance, and the rise, fall and rise again of ballroom dancing.’ - ChoiceMagazine, UK‘Ballroom by Dr. Hilary French explores the vibranthistory of ballroom and Latin dancing: the dances, lavish venues,competitions and influential instructors. It also traces the decline ofcouple dancing and its resurgence in recent years with the hugely popular TVshows Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with theStars.’ - Miranda Melcher, New Books Network‘French’s chronicle begins in the early twentieth century, when thecreation of public ballrooms in Britain opened ballroom dancing access to arange of social classes. The author traces ballroom dance development andexamines the ten standard dances. She considers influences of thearchitecture of ballrooms, clothing worn, music composed for the dances, andvarious individuals and organizations supporting and regulating British ballroomdance. Useful discussion of distinctions and dialogues between social andcompetition approaches to the form is included. Also covered, briefly, arethe influences of television dance shows in the late 20th century and currentpractices. Numerous photos, illustrations, and charts enhance the text.Recommended.’ - Choice‘Given the global popularity of Strictly Come Dancingand spin-offs, and the renaissance of partner dancing, it isamazing that no-one has written a cultural history of Ballroombefore. Hilary French’s pioneering book - written from theperspective of someone who combines a deep commitment to ballroom dancingwith acknowledged expertise in design - combines social history, economics,fashion, music, dance technique and architecture anddesign in an engaging mix. At one level, this is the story of a very Britishphenomenon influenced by Hollywood, Latin America and Europe. At another, itis the story of a privileged pastime which morphed into working classculture. At yet another, it celebrates couple dancing over the solovariety. Ballroom has mapped out a rich area of study, andit blends scholarship with infectious enthusiasm.’ - Professor Sir ChristopherFrayling, Cultural Historian, Broadcaster and Former Rector of the RoyalCollege of Art.

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