Inside Clubbing: Sensual Experiments in the Art of Being Human

Description

Inside Clubbing puts the spotlight on club culture - in all its sweaty, visceral and seductive glory. Moving from hip-hop clubs to fetish events and beyond, the author guides us through the huge spectrum of the contemporary club experience. Drawing on interviews with clubbers from a variety of backgrounds, the author dispels myths and offers new insight into the clubbing scene. Contrary to popular perception, for example, clubbing is not just for youths. The clubbers in Inside Clubbing range from mid-twenties to mid-fifties. Many have been on the scene for years and offer a historical perspective on changes over the last decade. The range of clubs and clubbers discussed also demonstrates the diversity of club culture - it's more than just an ecstasy-fuelled dance scene. Taking us into queer, trance, Asian, techno, drum 'n' bass, and sex clubs - among others - Inside Clubbing explores the real practice of clubbing. It looks at what people experience and how it affects them, as well as their values and concerns - from friendship and community to drugs, the body, and life outside the clubbing space. This book breaks new ground in offering us the most balanced and sophisticated understanding of the club scene to date.

Phil Jackson Freelance Anthropologist and Writer

'Inside Clubbing makes an important contribution to the understanding of contemporary leisure practices. Section one presents in beautiful, rich and evocative description, the key aspects of clubbing. Inside Clubbing is a highly significant contribution to the anthropology of leisure and pleasure, the body and emotions. It is an accessible and vivid account which breaks new ground in the analysis of contemporary clubbing practices.' Kalissa Alexeyeff, The Australian Journal of Anthropology