Albion's Dance

British Ballet during the Second World War

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Classical & Opera, Ballet, Pop & Rock, Dance, Music Styles
Cover of the book Albion's Dance by Karen Eliot, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Karen Eliot ISBN: 9780190622428
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: August 1, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Karen Eliot
ISBN: 9780190622428
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: August 1, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

When the Second World War broke out, ballet in Britain was only a few decades old. Few had imagined that it would establish roots in a nation long thought to be unresponsive to dance. Nevertheless, the war proved to be a boon for ballet dancers, choreographers and audiences, for the nation's dancers were forced to look inward to their own identity and sources of creativity. As author Karen Eliot demonstrates in this fascinating book, instead of withering during the enforced isolation of war, ballet in Britain flourished, exhibiting a surprising heterogeneity and vibrant populism that moved ballet outside its typical elitist surroundings to be seen by uninitiated, often enthusiastic audiences. Ballet was thought to help boost audience morale, to render solace to the soul-weary and to afford entertainment and diversion to those who simply craved a few hours of distraction. Government authorities came to see that ballet could serve as a tool of propaganda; the ways it functioned within the larger public discourse of propaganda and sacrifice, and how it answered a public mood of pragmatism and idealism, are also topics in this story of the development of a national ballet identity. This narrative has several key players-- dance critics, male and female dancers, producers, audiences, and choreographers. Exploring the so-called "ballet boom" during WWII, the larger story of this book is one of how art and artists thrive during conflict, and how they respond pragmatically and creatively to privation and duress.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When the Second World War broke out, ballet in Britain was only a few decades old. Few had imagined that it would establish roots in a nation long thought to be unresponsive to dance. Nevertheless, the war proved to be a boon for ballet dancers, choreographers and audiences, for the nation's dancers were forced to look inward to their own identity and sources of creativity. As author Karen Eliot demonstrates in this fascinating book, instead of withering during the enforced isolation of war, ballet in Britain flourished, exhibiting a surprising heterogeneity and vibrant populism that moved ballet outside its typical elitist surroundings to be seen by uninitiated, often enthusiastic audiences. Ballet was thought to help boost audience morale, to render solace to the soul-weary and to afford entertainment and diversion to those who simply craved a few hours of distraction. Government authorities came to see that ballet could serve as a tool of propaganda; the ways it functioned within the larger public discourse of propaganda and sacrifice, and how it answered a public mood of pragmatism and idealism, are also topics in this story of the development of a national ballet identity. This narrative has several key players-- dance critics, male and female dancers, producers, audiences, and choreographers. Exploring the so-called "ballet boom" during WWII, the larger story of this book is one of how art and artists thrive during conflict, and how they respond pragmatically and creatively to privation and duress.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Takeover by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book An African Volk by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book A Visitation of God by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Pioneers of Jazz by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book North American Indians: A Very Short Introduction by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Measuring Research by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book The Dark Double by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book A Little Commonwealth by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Intimate Justice by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Unusually Cruel by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Brought to Bed by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book The Power of Place: Geography, Destiny, and Globalization's Rough Landscape by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book On ne naît pas femme : on le devient by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Rapid Response System by Karen Eliot
Cover of the book Science vs. Religion by Karen Eliot
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy