Erotic Dance in Early Hollywood Musicals
In early Hollywood musicals, erotic dance was a common feature used to convey sexual tension between characters and to entertain audiences. Erotic dance numbers were typically choreographed and performed by female dancers in revealing costumes that accentuated their bodies, such as feather boas, long gloves, and skin-tight dresses. These dances often featured suggestive movements and poses, such as swaying hips and pelvic thrusts, which were intended to be both seductive and provocative. The dances were frequently accompanied by suggestive lyrics and music, creating an overall sensual atmosphere. Some of the most famous examples include "The Carioca" from Flying Down to Rio (1933), "Baby, It's Cold Outside" from Neptune's Daughter (1949), and "Lullaby of Broadway" from Gold Diggers of 1935.
Although erotic dance was a popular element of early Hollywood musicals, it had to adhere to the Production Code, a set of guidelines established by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association (MPPDA) in 1930. This code restricted the portrayal of sexually explicit content in films, including nudity, profanity, and depictions of adultery or homosexuality. As a result, erotic dance sequences were carefully crafted to avoid overtly sexual content while still conveying a sense of intimacy and romance. For example, in the song "Lullaby of Broadway," Shirley Temple dances with a group of adult men who are dressed in tuxedos and top hats. While the dance itself is not explicitly sexual, the costumes and setting suggest a sensual context that would have been prohibited under the Production Code.
Despite these restrictions, erotic dance remained a key feature of early Hollywood musicals for several decades. In fact, many of the most iconic musical numbers of the era rely heavily on this type of choreography. These dances helped to create a unique style of filmmaking that combined music, dance, and storytelling to create a visceral experience for audiences. The success of these movies demonstrates how important eroticism and sexuality were to the development of American cinema as an art form.
Overall, erotic dance played a significant role in shaping the visual language of early Hollywood musicals. By combining elements of sensuality and restraint, these dances created a unique style of filmmaking that continues to influence popular culture today.