What is Dance?

"The springy athleticism captured here is a trademark of House's highly musical choreography. Indeed, they often impart meaty information pertinent to the article in question. One of the chief pleasures of reading the IED"S biographical articles is that it's authors write of their subjects with liveliness, sympathy and even affection. Among the most compelling of these essays on topics related to dance are those which explain how to put it on the stage, and they bring a sense of immediacy that underscores the flesh-and-blood aliveness of the art." Journal of American Musicological Society "A tremendously valuable book, a book that will show students of the art, or those who have a mind to, how to grow up intellectually."--Joan Ross Acocella, Dance Magazine "From 'Swan Lake' to striptease, a comprehensive, carefully edited compendium."--Booklist "A wonderful book....Packed with the ways and byways of dance through history to today....It belongs in every library and in the duffle bag of every dancer."--Glenn Giffin, The Denver Post "A comprehensive, provocative, always entertaining anthology on dance....With the emergence of such a distinguished anthology, our own epoch is taking the crucial steps [towards] thinking, writing, and reading about [dance]."--Joyce Caruso, Performing Arts Journal "Always thought-provoking and excellently written pieces."--Library Journal "An invaluable contribution to the serious study of dance."--George L. George, Backstage "A wonderful, and sometimes surprising, selection."--Joann W. Kealiinohomoku, Northern Arizonaa University "I have used this as one of two required texts for my Dance History class for 6 years. The range of its readings is broad and challenging."--Linda H. Snininch, SUNY/Buffalo