Moving History/Dancing Cultures: A Dance History Reader

by Ann Dils (Editor), Ann Cooper Albright (Editor)

This new collection of essays surveys the history of dance in an innovative and wide-ranging fashion. Editors Dils and Albright address the current dearth of comprehensive teaching material in the dance history field through the creation of a multifaceted, non-linear, yet well-structured and comprehensive survey of select moments in the development of both American and World dance. This book is illustrated with over 50 photographs, and would make an ideal text for undergraduate classes in dance ethnography, criticism or appreciation, as well as dance history--particularly those with a cross-cultural, contemporary, or an American focus.
The reader is organized into four thematic sections which allow for varied and individualized course use: Thinking about Dance History: Theories and Practices, World Dance Traditions, America Dancing, and Contemporary Dance: Global Contexts. The editors have structured the readings with the understanding that contemporary theory has thoroughly questioned the discursive construction of history and the resultant canonization of certain dances, texts and points of view. The historical readings are presented in a way that encourages thoughtful analysis and allows the opportunity for critical engagement with the text.

Genres: History, Art, Read For School, Nonfiction, Anthologies

492 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2001

Reviews

[Allirock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love dance history, but I didn't really like the way this book was set up. It had a lot of different reviews from dance critics. It covers so many types/cultures of dance which was interesting and I loved the chapter on Le Sacre du Printemps. Nijinsky and Diagalev were genius.

[iele paloumpis · Rating 5 out of 5]

living history. dancers must read.

[Dante Love Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, though not particularly interestingly written. Limited scope.

Rounding up.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dance history must. :)