September 13, 2005 Source: University of Toronto:
http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/050913-1623.asp Tongue-in-cheek album collection reflects contemporary cultural trends From polka parties to conga lines: Exhibit gets groovy with display of popular dance album covers
Sep 13/05
by Suelan Toye Ever wonder what an album cover for the chicken dance looked like in the 1970s? Here’s your chance to find out. Some 175 album covers capturing dance moves from the 1940s to the 1980s will be on display at Robarts Library beginning Thursday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m., 2nd floor exhibition area, 130 St. George St. The free exhibition runs until Nov. 1. The collection, curated by U of T’s Media Commons and donated by library staff and various patrons, brings to life timeless dance steps such as the waltz and polka. “The exhibit is mostly tongue-in-cheek,” says Brock Silversides, head of Media Commons at U of T Libraries. “On the other hand, we’re also trying to provide a commentary on the importance of saving cultural artefacts such as album covers and what they tell us about society at a given time.” Four dance movies – Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Twist and This Joint is Jumping – will also be shown continuously as part of the exhibit. At the opening, Canadian filmmaker Ron Mann will introduce his movie, Twist, a commentary on dance in the 1950s and 1960s. He also donated the album covers used to research his documentary to the Media Commons. The evening will conclude with three dance performances from Motive Dance Company, a local dance troupe. Contact: Brock Silversides, Media Commons, U of T Libraries, 416-978-7119; e-mail: brock.silversides@utoronto.ca
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