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Folk Dance and the Creation of National Identities

Staging the Folk

Anthony Shay author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG

Published:30th Mar '24

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Folk Dance and the Creation of National Identities cover

This book is about the folk: the folk in folk dance, the folk in folklore, the folk in folk wisdom. When we see folk dance on the stage or in a tourist setting, which is the way in which many of us experience folk dance, the question arises are these the “real folk” performing their authentic dances? Or are they urban, well trained, carefully-rehearsed professional dancers who make their livelihood as representatives of a specific nation-state acting as the folk? Or something in between? This study delves more deeply into the folk, their origins, their identities in order to know the source of inspiration for ethno identity dances - dances prepared for the stage and the ballroom and for public performances from ballet, state folk dance ensembles and their amateur emulators, immigrant folk dance group performances, and tourist presentations. These dances, unlike modern dance, ballet, or most vernacular dances, always have strong ethnic references. It will also look at a gallery of choreographers and artistic directors across a wide spectrum of dance genres.

“The book is organized topically, with each chapter focusing on a specific nation or area, including Serbia, Poland, the former Soviet Union, Hungary, Egypt, and Hawaii. With a clear structure and a coherent writing style, the book offers valuable insights into folk dance research and practice. … This book is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in comprehending the intricate dynamics of folk dance from various countries because of its easy-to-read writing style, extensive research, and detailed examples.” (Yang Zhao, Journal of Dance Education, November 22, 2023)

ISBN: 9783031233388

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

302 pages