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Social Dance

A Short History

Arthur Franks author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:19th Nov '21

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Social Dance cover

Originally published in 1963 and authored by the then Editor of the Dancing Times, this was a pioneer work discussing not only the origins and development of many social dance forms from early times, but also relating these forms to their environment. As well as its role in social history, the book analyses the role of dance as a prime creative power in Renaissance spectacles which depicted and celebrated diplomatic, military and regal occasions. After a wide-ranging introductory chapter on the origins of dancing, the book takes the reader through the centuries, discussing in turn the Basse Danse and the Moresco of the Middle Ages, the Pavane, Galliard and Courante of the 16th Century, the Minuet of the 17th & 18th, the Allemande, the Waltz and the Polka as well as Jazz, the Cha Cha Cha, the Jive and Twist.

‘Mr. Franks knows the entire literature of his subject. The arrangement of his matter is excellent, and his writing is elegant and accurate.’ Roger Longrigg, Sunday Times

‘(The author) has read all the works of the old dancing masters, is acquainted with the musical scores and makes extensive use of contemporary illustrations to establish what was actually going on in each variety of social dancing.’ James Laver

ISBN: 9781032012629

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

290 pages