International Encyclopedia of Dance 6 vols

A six-volume set containing 2,157 entries on dancers, international dance styles, dance companies, and more. It also includes essays by contemporary dance experts.'Twenty five hundred years ago, Socrates not only approved of dancing but made a careful study of it. In his zeal for grace and elegance, for harmonious movement and carriage of the body, Socrates ranked dance among the most important branches of learning. On the eve of the 21st century, at last, there is a document that makes it possible to legitimize that claim.' Los Angeles Times Book Review (03/22/1998)'Exciting and fascinating, this reference work succeeds in its goal of bringing 'joy as well as enlightenment' about all forms of dance in all countries of the world. An extremely useful synoptic outline of contents' with nine sections (including 'Ritualand Religion' and 'Popular Entertainment') enables the user to explore dance in its cultural and social aspects, while topical essays complement the 2,000-plus entries. Heavily illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the encyclopedia captures the fluid movement of dance; with its depth and scope, this outstanding work has carved a well-deserved niche'. - 'Outstanding Reference Sources : the 1999 Selection of New Titles', American Libraries, May 1999. Comp. by the Reference Sources Committee, RUSA, ALA.