ANNE HATHAWAY WAS BELL OF THE BALL

Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy learned the art of 18th century ballroom dancing for Becoming Jane.

Anne Hathaway loved the ballroom dancing scenes in Becoming Jane having studied dance for thirteen years.

The intricate choreography had her co-star James McAvoy playing suitor Tom Lefroy spinning her out of frame at times and they had to wear sound tape on their shoes which made it difficult to turn. Anne says it was their only way of courtship during the 18th century.

“At a ball it was a chance if you were asked to dance that was kind of one of the only times that you could talk without being overheard. Usually during a dance one couple is they’re the resting couple and so they would actually have a free opportunity to talk. And if a turn on the dance floor took ten minutes they would be free to have a ten minute conversation. In a way it was one of the only opportunities you had to find out if this person that maybe you want to marry is a complete bore or if you could see yourself with them.”

James says during the time touching in public was prohibited so the dances were the only opportunities to display public affection.

“They were always being watched. Young people found it very difficult to get time together, contact together and one of the reasons these assemblies were so popular was the fact that you got to dance with someone. You were allowed to be face to face. You were allowed to touch. And you wouldn’t be able to do that in any other parts of society. So it was a great chance for conversation and literally to touch someone’s skin which was unthinkable. You know it’s not that long ago, it was only 200 years ago that we’re talking about, 200 odd years ago and these dances were really important for that, give a chance to flirt.”

Becoming Jane opens Friday in theaters.