THE LURE OF PERFECTION: FASHION AND BALLET; 1780-1830 offers a unique look at how ballet influenced contemporary fashion and womens body image; and how street fashions in turn were reflected by the costumes worn by ballet dancers. Through years of research; the author has traced the interplay between fashion; social trends; and the development of dance. During the 18th century; women literally took up twice as much space as men; their billowing dresses ballooned out from their figures; sometimes a full 55 inches; to display costly jewelry and fine brocade work; similar costumes appeared on stage. But clothing also limited her movement; it literally disabled them; making the dances themselves little more than tableaux. Movement was further inhibited by high shoes and tight corsets; thus the image of the rigidly straight; long-lined dancer is as much a product of clothing as aesthetics. However; with changing times came new trends. An increased interest in natural movement and the common folk led to less-restrictive clothing. As viewers demanded more virtuosic dancers; women literally danced their way to freedom. THE LURE OF PERFECTION will interest students of dance and cultural history; and womens studies. It is a fascinating; well-researched look at the interplay of fashion; dance; and culture-still very much a part of our world today.
#1027153 in eBooks 2016-05-15 2016-05-15File Name: B0189EHD30
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Good Book For Those Interested In The Country Music Business and Radio In The Early To Middle 20th CenturyBy Thomas BensonThe book is enjoyable as it offers some insight into John Sechler the man. not just Curly Seckler the singer/musician/entertainer. Curlys love for music is evident by his lack of bitterness. Having had to make some very heartbreaking choices in his life. he could easily have behaved poorly or felt sorry for himself but he comes across as a truly decent person. This is a a great book for those interested in the history of the entertainment business. particularly radio. from the 1930s until the advent of Rock and Roll. I enjoyed it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The 3rd Man with Flatt ScruggsBy Bill TurnerA long awaited story about one of Bluegrass musics most important sidemen. Curlys career began right before Bluegrass came into being. and worked with so many of its key bands. most notably Lester Flatt Earl Scruggs. His voice was instantly recognizable. with its haunting overtones and it blended perfectly with whomever he was singing with. At 96 years old. Curly Seckler led a full and rewarding life in spite of the frustrations and setbacks that beset him over the years. His story is fully told in this extremely well-written biography.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. good read;By Janet A. ArmstrongMy husband is in the process of reading it and he is enjoying it....good read;
