Les Choses Espagnoles Research Into the Hispanomania of 19th Century Dance

In 19th century culture, Hispanomania creates Les Choses espagnoles; they exhibit themselves as themes and forms of appearance as well as structures and techniques. Hispanomania is a temporary fashion and functions as a metaphor; it reflects numerous sources which are arranged in a fantastic way. Hispanomania leaves traces in the materials of the performative arts i.e., in librettos, theories, and reviews. The book focuses on re-construction of several concepts and practices in ‘Spanish’ dancing: an overview of dance librettology is linked to the discussion of ‘staging Spanishness’; the connection between choreography and dance-theoretical discourse concerning the Spanish is pursued; performances of Otherness – especially as monsters and women – are discussed in their theatrical and cultural contexts – as is the investigation of dance criticism; the hitherto little acknowledged biography of the then popular and highly productive choreographer Henri Justamant is highlighted …