Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning
Figure skating is one of the most popular spectator sports in the U.S., yet it eludes definitive categorization. In this engaging new book, Ellyn Kestnbaum examines figure skating from multiple perspectives: as sport, as performance, and even as spectacle, guiding the reader through both the technical aspects of skating and the sometimes convoluted rules of figure skating competition. By careful readings of skating events at the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Games, she argues that figure skating is a...
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The first in-depth, critical look at figure skating. A brilliant exploration of the fascinating world of figure skating. It includes a detailed history of the sport from its earliest beginnings and delves into its many facets. A superb and thoughtful work.
IntroductionPt. 1Meaning and Figure SkatingCh. 1A General Theory of Meaning3Ch. 2Skating as a Signifying System21Pt. 2How Figure Skating and Its Meanings DevelopedCh. 3The Beginnings of Skating on Ice57Ch. 4Issues in the Development of Figure Skating72Ch. 5Specularity101Pt. 3Cultural Meanings of Ladies' Figure SkatingCh. 6Critique of Skating's Feminine Ideal127Ch. 7Girls versus Ladies151Pt. 4Masculinity on EdgeCh. 8Figure Skating and "Real" Manhood183Ch. 9Out of the Closet202Pt. 5Compulsory Mating DancesCh. 10Defining Duos217Ch. 11Gendered Meanings in Crisis231Pt. 6SpectatorshipCh. 12Intimate Pleasures: Skating Fandom253Conclusion271AppThe Technical Basis of Figure Skating275Notes291For Further Reading and Viewing335Index347About the Author359
\ From the Publisher"Culture on Ice provides a thorough perspective of the popular dancing and yet sports activity that is a favorite of both spectators and participants. This book chronicles this form of skating so that readers will be proud of the input of Nordic, Canadian and English youths and adults for well over 4,000 years."--Bernadine Jennings, Attitude, The Dancer's Magazine\ \
