Untitled (photograph of "Dance Team": two women, one in profile) c. 1940

Paul Gittings created this untitled photograph of "Dance Team" on an undated piece of Kodak safety film. Although information about this artist and image are scarce, we can still consider its historical and cultural context by examining the women depicted. Consider the era in which this was likely taken, where women in dance, particularly in partnered dance, navigated the rigid expectations of gender roles. While dance offered a space for self-expression, it also subjected women to scrutiny and judgement based on their appearance and adherence to societal norms. The women in the image are presented with a striking aesthetic, inviting reflection on the historical dynamics of performance and identity. It encourages us to consider the untold stories and struggles of women in dance, while also prompting us to question the power dynamics at play between the viewer and the viewed.