Topic and Source Ideas

I will be investigating the evolution of dance as an expression of social change, such as changes in personal and social values, identifying changes in which forms of dancing are popular, such as ballroom and swing to raves, perhaps as reflections of cultural values or events. What motivates people to dance in different styles: are there cultural influences involved? Depending on the information I find, the topic may be extended to include performance dancing, such as ballet and hip-hop. I will use the depiction of dance in film as a resource, as well as various books.


Tentative Reading List:

Satan in the Dance Hall: Rev. John Roach Straton, Social Dancing, and Morality in 1920s New York City - Ralph S. Giordano

Dancing Till Dawn: A Century of Exhibition Ballroom Dance - Julie Malnig

Dance in a World of Change: Reflections on Globalization and Cultural Difference - Dr. Sherry Shapiro

Glamour Addiction: Inside the American Ballroom Dance Industry - Juliet McMains

Steps in Time: An Autobiography - Fred Astaire

Ballroom: Culture and Costumes in Competitive Dance - Jonathan S. Marion

Jookin': The Rise of Social Dance Formations in African-American Culture - Katrina Hazzard-Gordon

Ballroom, Boogie, Shimmy Sham, Shake: A Social and Popular Dance Reader - Julie Malnig


I also plan to find episodes of American Bandstand and Soultrain, as well as the movie Shall We Dance?

Suggestions are always welcomed!