My PhDI am currently in the process of completing my PhD in Cultural Studies at Coventry University. The title of my thesis is 'The politics of the Latin look as evidenced in competitive International Style Latin American dance'. I began this work in 1998 with a paper presented at a conference and has involved trips to Cuba (2000) and Argentina (2002) and many interviews with dance professionals and coaches. My thesis is a critical study of competitive International Style Latin American dance, from a cultural studies approach. As a highly stylised and constructed 'text' it raises important issues around social class, race, gender and sexuality. In short it looks at the last taboo of white men dancing, an issue partially addressed on Strictly Come Dancing. Or so it seems... This is a unique piece of academic work and my intention is to publish the work in a book in the future. Part of this work has included lectures and seminars on the 'Dance in Everyday Life' module to second and final year students of the Communication, Media and Culture degree course at Coventry University. I first started work on this back in the 1990s, and presented paper on "The Latin look - Representation and Competitive Ballroom Dance" at the AMCCS Conference 11-12 December 1998 - "Moving On - Changing Times / Changing Cultures". Juliet McMains produced a book called Glamour Addiction in 2006 which is the closest to my work. I am available for presentations and lectures on my PhD for any interested audience including college or university students. My fees are available upon request.
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About Me