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The Scandalous Waltz

2008.09.13

The waltz was termed the "forbidden dance" for one reason - partners dance face-to-face and touch each other – scandalous! Such dancing was unheard of and led to the dance being slandered and banned by officials of the church and leaders of polite society of 18th century Europe.

“So long as this obscene dance was confined to prostitutes and adulteresses, we did not think it deserving of notice; but now that it is attempted to be forced on the respectable classes of society by the civil examples of their superiors, we feel it a duty to warn every parent against exposing his daughter to so fatal a contagion."
~ Prince Regent of London, 1816

Because waltzing was embraced by young people, however, its popularity continued to grow. It gradually moved from secret gatherings to public settings, eventually evolving into the favored dance for the polished floors and formal attire of the hoy poloy. Waltz music also changed, becoming more refined and orchestrated, most notably by Johann Strauss II, “the waltz king”. Clearly, the waltz could not be stopped!

Absolutely scandalous!

Event: The 21st Annual Strauss Festival – Elk Grove, California

Dedicated to my wonderful wife, Ceil, on her birthday.

17 Comments

Scandalous indeed! :o)))

Wow ~ such vivid colors! Love these shots ~ #3 is just awesome with his face in focus and everything else in motion! Well done!!

pzf64 · 2008-09-13: 19:35

Of course!!! In Martinique, we have the creole waltz (valse créole). We like it!!!

miclaud · 2008-09-13: 19:51

... and nice colorful photos!

miclaud · 2008-09-13: 19:51

very nice set !!!
;-)

sistatitoune · 2008-09-13: 20:31

Wonderful in all ways, love the rich colors and the patterns you caught!~ R

urmysunshine · 2008-09-13: 21:04

Bom cha cha.....bom cha cha...
Absolutely" scandalously" elegant........wonderful motions, great color.

leocheung · 2008-09-13: 21:12

Such colorful shots as usual!
Love these... and the info.
Makes me think of the movie 'FootLoose' ;)

LotoFoto · 2008-09-14: 00:23

Makes me wanna dance.
Lovely set.
;)

mintra · 2008-09-14: 00:32

great reportage! wish your wife all the best! :):):)

ronin53 · 2008-09-14: 02:38

I love the way you have captured the movement of the dancers.

busybee36 · 2008-09-14: 05:51

Just brilliant work once again! And best wishes to your wife! It looks like you had a wonderful night. #3 is a fantastic photo.

Daryl · 2008-09-14: 06:27

Music in motion. Lovely.

I didn't know the trivia about the waltz. Such hubub and here we are centuries later still dancing. (Well, not me). I wonder if years from now there will be celebrations of music that brought on The Twist and The Jerk!

oldbabe · 2008-09-14: 08:54