How to Dance Through Time: Volume I--The Romance of Mid 19th Century Couple Dances

The "romance" in The Romance of Mid 19th Century Couple Dances was--admittedly--a little lost on me when I discovered the prevalent 19th century attitudes towards couple dancing. One male writer praised such dancing because the intertwined stance "allows the lady to be guided by the gentleman and to obey with confidence." Feminist sensibilities aside, Carol Teten, whose credentials include the directorship of Dance Through Time, an award-winning theatrical dance company, as well as 40 years of teaching and performing dance, carefully guides the viewer through the steps for five mid-19th century ballroom couple dances: the waltz, gallop, polka, schottische and polka mazurka. (Unfortunately, a dance partner is not provided with the video.) Following a brief history, each dance is presented by the dancers, who are shown performing from several camera angles at various speeds. The unfortunate use of a dark stage blended with the male dancer's black shoes and slacks make it difficult to discern his steps. Otherwise, this is a solid introduction to the "easy" dances and a much appreciated effort to preserve those ballroom glory days. Also available: the two-volume Dancetime! 500 Years of Social Dance (see Video Librarian Online, "1998 Reviews"). Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (V. Elliott)