The article "Dancing into Battle: A Social History of the Battle of Waterloo" describes the social scene leading up to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. European powers were trying to overthrow Napoleon, and amidst the military tension, soldiers and their wives were attending lavish balls. The atmosphere changed on June 15 when troops left the dance floor for battle. The author vividly captures the transition from social gatherings to wartime urgency during this critical moment in European history.