Dancing is an important element of not only any society, but also cinema. In real life, it represents and communicates nationality traditions and spirit, helps to celebrate and is a way to establish new connections with those around us. However, in films it is not often just a public event, but a very important, and often private, ceremony. It does what films are supposed to do in every other scene: show, not tell. Dances show us what the characters are, what their current relationships are and what they're hoping for, they help us understand the feelings that can't be spoken out loud. That's why I want to look at the most memorable and important dance scenes in period drama.
Elizabeth Bennet & Mr Darcy dance in Pride & Prejudice 2005 is one of my all-time favourite scenes. Full stop. No, seriously: when I first the scene I was amazed at the use of dialogue, cinematography and music in this scene, the sudden disappearance of the crowd and Elizabeth's biting comments.
Elizabeth is mocking Darcy - typical Lizzie - and the gentleman answers in abrupt phrases, clearly not enjoying the dance. It is Elizabeth's battlefield - she dances and teases, pointing out mr. Darcy's unsociable behaviour, inability to keep up the small talk and pride. She digs deeper and addresses his inability to forgive and conflict with the person who, she believes, doesn't deserve such cruel treatment.
In 18th century, dance is the key ritual in courtship
It is in particular effective when you realise the traditions of 18th century England. In that society, as the makers of the film point out in their Behind the scenes: The Politics of 18th Century Dating, the only way to have privacy and physical contact was through a dance.
That's why Elizabeth agreeing to dance with Mr Dancy is one of the crucial parts of their courtship. Whether to accept a dance or not would send a signal. How many times you dance with a particular partner sends a signal. Agreeing to dance with an arrogant man despite your jokey vow... well, that sends a signal just as well.
Darcy betrays his habits and does something he usually avoids - asks Elizabeth for a dance. Elizabeth betrays her 'promise to hate him for the rest of eternity'.
For Darcy & Elizabeth, their dance is not the breaking point yet, but an attempt to understand one another despite their differences. In that dance, they're truly alone - and the ballroom actually fades as soon as the music starts.
And it is only when the dance is over, that the reality sets in, and their momentarily truce is broken down again - so they can come back to proudly watching each other and making their judgements from afar.
