What is a "Sprung" Ballroom Floor?

Bygone Ballroom Technology Lives on in Shanghai's Peace Hotel

OLD-WORLD NOSTALGIA

Movie gems such as Howard's End, A Room with a View, and The English Patient are steeped with hints of old world Anglo-European traditions which are sadly fading into oblivion under the onslaught of modern times.

For those of you who appreciate watching "period piece" movies of this kind, I have a nugget to share with you from those grand times gone by.

BALLROOM DANCING

Beginning in the 17th century and beyond, well-privileged people enjoyed attending social events featuring classical ballroom dances. Sporting styles such as the Quadrille, Minuet, Polonaise, and the Mazurka, these festivities must have been a treasure to behold. Continuing well on into the "Roaring Twenties" era, the breath-taking splendor of ballroom dancing held people captive throughout all parts of the world.

As an accompaniment to the proper etiquette and extravagant dress styles peculiar to a ball, there was also the space on which people danced. The requirement was simple: a large vacuous space that was to allow unabashed dancing for hours on end. Being the first of their kind, it's no surprise that the early ballroom design fell short on the "dancing for hours on end" mien. However, that issue was later addressed by technology - as I will soon tell.

Among the lesser known destinations where one could think to find a classical ballroom: the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, in mainland China.

BACK IN OLD SHANGHAI

Nearly two decades ago I lived for several years in Shanghai, and was witness to the city's transformation from a little-known post-Mao seaport to the thriving financial and hemispheric trade hub it has now become. Upon moving there, I soon came to realize that I was a witness to the passing history of this wonderful city - and that I had best go out to see it as much as possible before it was gone.