International Dictionary of Modern Dance

The most compelling reason for the publication of International Dictionary of Modern Dance is that no other reference offers a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of this art form. Existing works are smaller trade titles of a general nature and are of little value to students, scholars and artists interested in authoritative biographical, bibliographical and musicological information on modern dance.

Modern Dance follows the format of other St. James Press volumes on performing arts. In a single, easy-to-use volume, it offers alphabetically arranged essays selected, written and reviewed by subject expert contributors and members of our advisory board, representing librarians, scholars and critics. The work presents 425 signed entries that focus on artists, works, companies, periods, performances and schools of modern dance from its origins in the late 19th century to the present day. In addition Modern Dance includes the following, value-added features:

• Overview Essay: Focuses on the beginnings and evolution of modern dance, and discusses modern dance in relation to other modern art forms
• Timeline: Highlights key events in the history of modern dance
• Illustrations: More than 200 photographs augment the text
• General bibliography: Lists key print, video and electronic sources without duplicating citations found at the end of entries
• Indexes: Opening access and broadening comparative research, indexes allow users to isolate nationalities, professions, institution type, works, companies and illustrations

Notes on advisers and contributors: Brief notes on professional affiliations and credentials of the scholars who have contributed to the work

Because of its unique coverage, scholarly presentation, currency and comprehensiveness, International Dictionary of Modern Dance will serve the information needs of students in dance and theater programs, librarians fielding ready reference inquiries and practitioners of modern dance who want to learn more about this evolving art form.

This biographical dictionary eschews ballet and social dance to concentrate on the dance form that blossomed in the twentieth century. Originating in popular theatrical performances, this form was influenced by the theory of expansive movement advocated by Delsarte, eventually receiving the name "modern dance."

The dictionary provides information on dancers, choreographers, teachers, companies, designers, writers on dance, national overviews, and selected important dances. The Western world is emphasized, but coverage is global. The 425 clearly written entries are arranged alphabetically. Adjacent to roughly half of the personal and dance-company entries are clear black-and-white photographs, large enough to show detail. The typical pattern for personal entries is: field(s) of activity; Who's Who type biography with dates, education, career highlights, and awards; chronological listing of specific works; writings by and about; and an essay on the subject's contribution to modern dance. Written by subject specialists, the signed essays are long enough to provide insight.

Preceding the main part of the dictionary are a five-page chronology of notable developments in modern dance, a list of contributors, and a list of entries. Concluding the volume are a four-page bibliography of books (almost all in English) on modern-dance topics, a breakdown of persons and companies by country, a classified index of entries under appropriate subjects, and brief identification of contributors.

The International Dictionary of Modern Dance amplifies the modern-dance coverage found in Oxford's six-volume International Encyclopedia of Dance [RBB My 1 98]. There appears to be little overlap. Of the 49 entries in the As and Bs in the dictionary, only about 10 also receive coverage in the Oxford set, among them Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Gertrud Bodenwieser, and Butoh, a Japanese "dance-drama." Although libraries with general collections can skip it if they have already added the Oxford work, International Dictionary of Modern Dance will be useful in any public, academic, or special library where dance and the performing arts are of interest to readers.

The modern in modern dance is an attitude, not a time period. In the late 19th century, its pioneers broke with more traditional forms of dance (e.g., classical ballet) and devised a new dance vocabulary. Since then, modern dance artists have invented new forms, re-invented old forms, and generally turned Terpsichore on her ear. In the familiar style of other St. James performing arts reference books, alphabetically arranged, signed essays treat modern dance schools, artists, companies, periods, works, and performances. A chronology of modern dance opens the work, highlighting important events and people. Coverage spans the years from the birth of modern dance to the present, representing dancers and dance companies of many nations; there is even a nationality index. Striking black-and-white photographs accompany nearly half of the articles, and most, if not all, cite sources for further information. A lengthy general bibliography augments the material at the end of individual articles. Recommended for large reference and performing arts collections.?Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.