The Moving Body and the English Romantic Imaginary

The Moving Body and the English Romantic Imaginary explores how England in the Romantic period conceptualized its relation to the United Kingdom and the larger world through discussions of dance, dancing, and dancers, and through theories of dance and performance. Dance was a referent that engaged and constructed the body, producing an English exceptional body. Discussions of dance in fiction and periodical essays, as well as its visual representation in print culture, were important ways to theorize points of contact as England was investing itself in the world as an economic and imperial power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Moving Body and the English Romantic Imaginary delves into the intricate ways in which England during the Romantic period conceptualized its relationship with both its constituent parts within the United Kingdom and the broader world. Through a comprehensive exploration of dance, dancing, and dancers, as well as theories of dance and performance, this text sheds light on the multifaceted ways in which England sought to define and express its identity.

Dance, as a powerful referent that both engaged and constructed the body, played a pivotal role in shaping the English exceptional body. It encompassed physical training, anatomization, spectacle and spectatorship, pathology, parody, and sentiment, all of which contributed to the formation of a distinctively English physique. Discussions of dance in fiction, periodical essays, and its visual representation in print culture became crucial avenues for theorizing points of contact as England embarked on its journey of economic and imperial power during and after the Revolutionary period. These formulations offered dance as a catalyst for reconfiguring gender, class, and national identity in the vibrant print culture of late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century England.

In the realm of fiction, writers and authors utilized dance as a means to explore and convey complex themes related to gender, class, and national identity. Through vivid descriptions and evocative narratives, they depicted dance as a tool for expressing emotions, challenging societal norms, and subverting power structures. For instance, in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the creature's grotesque dance serves as a metaphor for his alienation and rejection by society, highlighting the power of dance to challenge established narratives and provoke thought.

Periodical essays, too, played a significant role in shaping public discourse and fostering a deeper understanding of dance and its role in shaping English society. These essays, often published in magazines and newspapers, provided a platform for scholars, critics, and artists to explore the cultural significance of dance and its relationship to broader social and political movements. They examined the social and economic implications of dance, its role in shaping public opinion, and its impact on the formation of national identity.

Furthermore, the visual representation of dance in print culture was equally important. Artists and illustrators worked to capture the grace, beauty, and power of dance in their works, which were then reproduced in magazines, newspapers, and books. These images not only visually documented dance but also contributed to its popularization and dissemination, making it accessible to a wider audience. They played a role in shaping public perception of dance and its role in shaping English society.

In conclusion, The Moving Body and the English Romantic Imaginary offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of the ways in which dance, dancing, and dancers played a central role in shaping the English Romantic imaginary. Through discussions of dance in fiction, periodical essays, and its visual representation in print culture, this text sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which England sought to define and express its identity. Dance served as a powerful tool for engaging with the body, challenging societal norms, and subverting power structures, and its impact on English society was profound and enduring.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032002217