Time for a Change or More of the Same? Les Mills and the Masculinisation of Aerobics
| Type of publication: | Article |
| Citation: | Brabazon2000 |
| Journal: | Sporting Traditions |
| Volume: | 17 |
| Number: | 1 |
| Year: | 2000 |
| Month: | 11 |
| Pages: | 97--112 |
| Note: | core reading to disempowered groups |
| URL: | http://www.la84foundation.org/... |
| Abstract: | Two stories sketch the direction of this research. The first occurred on January 3, 2000 – a public holiday Monday – when Les Mills’ Body Combat arrived in Western Australia. As I walked around the calico bags framing the door, the sounds of sirens and bombs whirred from the speakers. The stage was surrounded by (hopefully) unarmed missiles, and backed by an unfurled parachute. A windsock clung from the air vent. Two men, both wearing khaki fatigues, paced rigorously around the room. One was oiled up and muscled. The other looked like a (slightly more toned) Sergeant Schultz. After this sensory assault, my attention turned to the participants: the room was split evenly between men and women. The soundtrack encouraged men to behave badly: not one, but two Queen songs is enough for any aerobics room. In fact, it is too much for any room. Another one bites the dust - another feminine sphere is lost. With the men now back at aerobics after relinquishing the space fifteen years ago to leotards and lycra, the resultant class was quiet, uncomfortable, uncoordinated and far more aggressive than was necessary. Without looking or thinking, clumsy men kicked women without considering where their flying feet may have landed. This was not a good experience. |
| Authors | |
| Added by: | [UNK] |
| Total mark: | 0 |
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