Dancing on the Deck

Dancing on the Deck: a maritime history of dance

Video launch on 29 April at 2:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.  After this time it will be freely available as a resource into the future.

Organised by Australian Historical Dance in collaboration with Ausdance QLD, the Australian National Heritage Festival, and the Early Dance Circle (UK).

Description:
Of all the activities on board ship, dancing was one of the most enjoyable. Given the perils, discomforts, fears and tedium of a long voyage, what better way to forget these worries than to dance. Enlightened captains used dance to keep the crew fit and healthy, knowing it helped to dispel feelings of discontent and the threat of mutiny. The sailors hornpipe was required for all boys joining the navy, and became known as the national dance of England. Manuals for emigrant voyagers recommended dancing, as did surgeons on convict transports to Australia. Officer on ships visiting foreign ports staged elaborate balls. From forecastle frolics to festive balls, dancing on the deck has a rich and fascinating history. Join dance historian, Dr Heather Blasdale Clarke for an exploration of this captivating topic.