The term ‘Steampunk’ was coined by the author J.W Jeter in the 1980’s, but it goes back to the victorian age itself describing a time when most machines were powered by steam, ie: trains, factories, and pumping stations as opposed to water power, horsepower or hand. The country saw a change come about as many people left the countryside and their rural life to work in the factories and shops and the industrial revolution was born. 

Charles Dickens and Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ reference ‘Steampunk’. Their influence is reflected in the dances we perform; mechanical, stiff movements and circular patterns to describe the machinery and dark, slightly tatty costumes to allude to the monotory of long hours, yet also the status people clung to at the time.

The costumes can be accurate victorian copies or more glamorous gothic outfits. Either way, they are worn to reflect a dynamic and intriguing genre with potential for all who like dance, drama and acting to become involved.