DNCE 1017 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Reality Television, Lindy Hop, African-American Culture
Document Summary
Promoters went from city to city to put on dance marathons. Racially mixed but not without racial politics. An enhanced theatricalized version of the self. Danced to rhythms emerging from african american culture (harlem. Dances that were trending at the time. Danced for 45 minutes and rested for 15 minutes. Purpose of social dance shifted from harmony of the dancing couple to the rivalry of singular accomplishment. Human agency in the face of mass mechanization. Perceived value: minimal financial gain for participants. During the depression era, unemployed and underemployed men and women turned to dance marathons in desperation. All aspects of their lives were subject to spectacle put on display. In order to keep the public coming, the marathons needed to keep adding extra attractions and push the contestants to greater extremes. Marathons went on for days, weeks, or months. Sought regulation and protection for contestants, especially young women.
