Dancing: The Pleasure, Power, and Art of Movement

Looks at the history of dance, dance around the world, and influential dancers and choreographers of the past and present.

The literature of dance history has been enhanced with the publication of this extensively researched, well-written, and richly illustrated title, which is the companion volume to an eight-part series scheduled for public television beginning in April 1993. Rhoda Grauer, executive producer for the series, enlisted the assistance of many scholars, performers, advisers, and researchers, as well as the talents of Jonas, a veteran staff writer for The New Yorker , in this collaborative effort. The result combines history/criticism, traditionally applied to Western dance, with ethnology/anthropology, traditionally applied to non-Western dance, and draws cross-cultural comparisons based upon the way in which dance functions in societies (e.g., as an expression of religious worship, social order, or classical art). The examples span six continents and include Japanese kabuki and bugaku , Balinese wayang wong , Native American tribal dance, Indian bharata natyam , ballet, and modern dance . The expansive research is underscored by 275 illustrations, nearly half of which are in color. With innovative research and visuals to be savored, Dancing is highly recommended for both general and specific collections.
- Joan Stahl, National Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.