Various Artists - How to Dance Through Time Volume 2 Dances of the Ragtime Era

Various Artists - How to Dance Through Time Volume II: Dances of the Ragtime Era is a historical, tutorial film focusing on the evolution and practice of ragtime dance, released in 2003. Directed by Carol Téten, the film is an educational journey into the lively social dances of the early 20th century, starring experienced dancers Lawrence Ewing and Sonia Fava.

The movie is an insightful exploration of the Ragtime dance era. It catapults its audience back in time, unveiling the rhythmic world of the 1910s, a period when Ragtime music, with its entrancing syncopated rhythms, led to a significant shift in popular forms of dance. Audiences are transported to ballrooms and social dance halls of the time, tracing ragtime dance's journey from its African American roots to its mainstream acceptance.

Starring Lawrence Ewing and Sonia Fava as dance instructors and partners, the film guides audiences step-by-step through the most characteristic dances of the period. Both Ewing and Fava are captivating in their roles, seamlessly bringing the dances to life while demonstrating each form with elegance and precision. Their charismatic teaching styles make the historical moves accessible and fun to learn, irrespective of the viewer's prior dance experience.

The film presents a host of dances popping up in the Ragtime era, each with a distinct style and rhythm. Delving into popular dance forms such as the Castle Walk, the Tango, the Maxixe, the Hesitation Waltz, and the Argentine Tango, the film narrates not just the steps, but the stories and cultural contexts surrounding each dance. More than a tutorial or a history lesson, the film becomes a visual extravaganza, providing beautiful illustrations of what made each dance such a craze at the time.

Through Ewing and Fava's instruction, the steps for the different dance routines are broken down clearly, making it easy for the viewer to follow along. They also discuss the etiquette and dress codes tied to these dances, immersing the viewer in the social norms and customs of the period.

Their dance renditions, set against the backdrop of period-appropriate music and settings, give viewers an authentic taste of the Ragtime era. The film's production quality aids in this endeavor, using costumes, sets, and music from the period to further enhance the movie's historical accuracy. The costumes are a visual treat, capturing the sartorial elegance of the era, adding yet another layer of authenticity to the film's educational narrative.

Various Artists - How to Dance Through Time Volume II: Dances of the Ragtime Era is not just about teaching steps; it's about sharing the joy of dance, the rhythm that ripples through communities, and the timeless cultural artifacts dance styles become. As Ewing and Fava demonstrate the steps, they comment on the dances' history, connecting the dots between the cultural, social, and musical changes that influenced their evolution.

One of the highlights of this tutorial film lies in its accessibility. It invites everyone to the dance floor, regardless of age or skill level. Even those who have two left feet can step into the shoes of an early 20th-century dancer, learning the moves and understanding the symbolic value these dances held during their time. Ultimately, this film leaves audiences not only wiser about the history of dance but also potentially equipped with a few new moves.

In conclusion, Various Artists - How to Dance Through Time Volume II: Dances of the Ragtime Era is an invaluable guide to the past, immersing viewers in a virtually bygone era filled with rich music and vibrant dance. Ewing and Fava, through their skilled demonstration and user-friendly instruction, elevate the film from being a dance lesson to an enlightening experience-filled journey through a pivotal period in dance history.