#but Ballroom specifically is telling a story in the paso and in a number of latin dances | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

imissthembutitwasntadisaster · 2 years

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I have so many vague impressions about the natural Vs artificial in Strictly ballroom but the only coherent thing I can say is that they're not actually in opposition it's way more complicated than that also has my whole heart.

#it's like... on the one hand yes the Ballroom culture is so clearly artificial with the elaborate makeup and outfits and that is clearly #contrasted with the natural lighting at Fran's house and her much simpler look even at the end BUT #in many ways Fran's family's place is also depicted as heavily interacting with the artificial especially in that train that runs straight #past them #in the trash cans Scott knocks over #in the cramped insides we only see a few times but they're small and almost claustrophobic #equally in the rooftop scene at the studio they're dancing outside yes #but there's also the Coke sigh #*sign #and in most narratives like this the coke sign would be perhaps a criticism of the artificial and of consumerism etc #but here it's beautiful #it adds to the beauty #it turns the dance into something magical #and the studio too with all its lights and frippery is a place of much naturality and honesty with Scott's dad and Scott's secret dances #with Fran #you can't just reject the artificial as bad and the natural as Good #because dancing is fundamentally artificial #yes yes there's the whole dance from the heart thing #but Ballroom specifically is telling a story in the paso and in a number of latin dances #for all the talk about Scott's new steps he wants new STEPS not improvisation #it's still about the controlled movements the chosen choreography #it is artificial it is something created and that can be beautiful as much as it can be ugly and contrived but ONLY when it is combined #with nature #nature is a requirement for beauty but so in this case is the artificial but they must be COMBINED #idk #strictly ballroom

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