Dancing Across Borders (Paperback)

Anthony Shay

ISBN 10: 0786437847 / ISBN 13: 9780786437849

Published by McFarland & Co Inc, Jefferson, NC, 2008

About this Item

Paperback. This study describes and analyzes the phenomenal popularity of exotic dance forms in America. Throughout the twentieth century and especially since 1950, millions have begun learning and performing various Balkan dances, the tango, and other Latin American dances, along with the classical dances of India, Japan, and Indonesia. Most studies in dance ethnography and anthropology have focused specifically on "dancing in the field," or the dancing that native dancers do. This study, by contrast, examines the ways in which ethnic dancing has allowed many Americans to create more exciting, "exotic" and romantic identities. The author describes the uniquely American enthusiasm for exotic dances, and cites specific deficiencies in the U.S. cultural identity that have led many people to seek new feelings and experiences through exotic dance genres. Describes and analyzes the phenomenal popularity of exotic dance forms among mainstream Americans. This study examines the ways in which ethnic dancing has allowed many Americans to create exciting and romantic identities through dancing the dances of the ""exotic other,"" if only within the framed moment of a one-time dance lesson or performance. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780786437849

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dancing Across Borders (Paperback)
• Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc, Jefferson, NC
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786437847
• ISBN 13: 9780786437849
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This study describes and analyzes the phenomenal popularity of exotic dance forms in America. Throughout the twentieth century and especially since 1950, millions have begun learning and performing various Balkan dances, the tango, and other Latin American dances, along with the classical dances of India, Japan, and Indonesia.

Most studies in dance ethnography and anthropology have focused specifically on "dancing in the field," or the dancing that native dancers do. This study, by contrast, examines the ways in which ethnic dancing has allowed many Americans to create more exciting, "exotic" and romantic identities. The author describes the uniquely American enthusiasm for exotic dances, and cites specific deficiencies in the U.S. cultural identity that have led many people to seek new feelings and experiences through exotic dance genres.

About the Author

Award winning choreographer Anthony Shay is an associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Pomona College, Claremont, California. His articles have appeared in Dance Research Journal, Iranian Studies Journal, International Encyclopedia of Dance, and other publications.