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All's Fair  by Inkling 3 Review(s)
good_one_pipReviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/30/2005
You've certainly done your research! That was fascinating. I wanted Frodo to dance with Hy so badly, but I guess I'll have to wait until a later chapter.

Author Reply: Thank you! The research was fun, as I’ve always loved these dances, especially the Viennese waltz! But I think Frodo was wise not to try it…

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/23/2005
Ah, I can imagine the early form of the Waltz would indeed raise a few eyebrows; and I see Coronel is still using Frodo as much as ever. Poor Frodo; do love the waistcoat, and the image of Merry falling asleep atop the hill.

Author Reply: Tolkien likened hobbit society to Victorian England, and that’s very much how I see it…hence Asphodel’s horrified reference to “limbs.” One of my readers at ff.n wondered what they would make of the tango…now that’s quite the mental image!

ArielReviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/12/2005
Good grief! The work you put into this! You are right, the dance is delightful and FAR from boring! I also found it delightfully credible that the waltz would be received this way in the Shire! Really, it is so delightful I am amazed more folk haven't found this already! I shall have to talk it up! Good work, Inkling!

Author Reply: Thank you, my dear, you made my day! You're right, it was a lot of work, but it was a labor of love as I'm almost as fond of the old dances as I am of hobbits!
The transition from "arm's length" dancing to close body contact fascinates me...its cultural impact was at least as great in its day as the effect of the automobile on the amorous practices of 1950s teenagers, and it was fun to show it playing out in hobbit society--which Tolkien described more than once as "Victorian."
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know!

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