How to Dance Through Time, Volume 5: Victorian Era Couple Dances

How to Dance Through Time, Volume 5: Victorian Era Couple Dances is a captivating exploration of historic ballroom dances from the Victorian era, diversely annotated and meticulously reenacted. The combination of on-screen tutorials and professional dance performances make this a must-watch for dance enthusiasts or anyone interested in a cultural jaunt back to the Victorian era.

Directed and produced by Carol Téten, the documentary closely examines the intricate movements and the socio-cultural impact of each dance. Lawrence Ewing, a renowned dance historian and performer, is the central figure in guiding us through this journey, providing an enriching narration that intertwines crucial elements of dance patterns and footwork with historical information. His command over subject matter and distinct delivery make him an engaging narrator.

Sonia Fava, an equally celebrated and skilled dancer, co-stars with Lawrence and provides context to the more nuanced details of these dances. Their partnership symbolizes an authentic Victorian couple, appropriately dressed for the part to provide viewers a measure of authenticity. Their combined interactions build not just towards an aesthetical performance, but towards an enjoyable dialogue that adds depth to these dances.

The shots capture Lawrence Ewing and Sonia Fava seamlessly gliding through glory and gaiety of the polka, the passionate variation of the waltz, the playful frolic of the galop, and the lively mazurka as it was danced in the 19th century. Every sequence narrates the story of a different dance form, making the movie not just enjoyable to watch but easy to understand and follow. To the uninitiated, these delightful sequences serve as a clear and effective ‘how-to’ guides that bring these dance forms within reach.

However, the Dance Through Time Company's involvement transforms this ‘how-to’ guide into a living and breathing illustration of Victorian times. The dance group acts as a supporting cast, demonstrating the dances alongside the lead figures. The dances are not just a two-person affair but rather a whole ballroom performance, set against the backdrop of Victorian-era costumes, props, and settings. This inclusion brings together the elegance and extravagance of a beautifully choreographed dance hall, offering viewers a more immersive experience.

The film also incorporates a detailed examination of the impact and relationship these dances had with the society of the time. Through Lawrence’s narration and Sonia’s elaborations, we understand how these Victorian era Couple Dances were not simply stepping, twirling, and gliding, but also served as a platform for dialogue, courtship, and friendship within the rather strict social hierarchies and structures of the Victorian era.

The original music composed and played for the film integrates with the dances, complementing the moves, the footwork, and the rhythm of each form. The tunes transport you back to the ballrooms of the Victoria era, following the dancers in their spins and twirls and making the whole experience a feast for your eyes and ears.

Furthermore, the film employs various archival resources and illustrations to endorse and validate the accuracy of the dances portrayed. It gives great weightage to the authenticity and the historical accuracy of the content, imparting to the audience an almost immersive experience of the era long past.

In conclusion, How to Dance Through Time, Volume 5: Victorian Era Couple Dances is not merely a dance film but an engaging, immersive, and insightful journey back to Victorian-era ballrooms. An exceptional showcase of the Romantic Age dances, presented by world-class performers like Lawrence Ewing, Sonia Fava, and the Dance Through Time Company. It details the intricate representations each dance held and their impact on society. It is not just a dance tutorial but a historical narrative that speaks volumes about the inextricable links between dance, music, culture, and society's demeanor.