Appreciating Dance

Appreciating Dance is a thorough and accurate history of various forms of dance, analyzing everything from social dance, and ballet to modern dance, tap, jazz, theatrical dance and contemporary dance. In it readers will find: a brief biography of notable dancers and choreographers; information needed to expand the enjoyment of performance; the intersection of dance and religion; the history of dance through the beginning of the 21st century; and budding dance trends. Every chapter in this fifth edition has been updated and revised with new information, including suggestions for YouTube viewing at the end of each chapter.

Dance Appreciation is an exciting exploration of how to understand and think about dance in all of its various contexts. This book unfolds a brief history of dance with engaging insight into the social, cultural, aesthetic, and kinetic aspects of various forms of dance. Dedicated chapters cover ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and hip-hop dance, complete with summaries, charts, timelines, discussion questions, movement prompts, and an online companion website all designed to foster awareness of and appreciation for dance in a variety of contexts. This wealth of resources helps to uncover the fascinating history that makes this art form so diverse and entertaining, and to answer the questions of why we dance and how we dance. Written for the novice dancer as well as the more experienced dance student, Dance Appreciation enables readers to learn and think critically about dance as a form of entertainment and art.

Written for the dance novice, this is a concise history and current picture of all forms of dance. It gives a brief biography of many of the notable dancers and choreographers who have contributed to each form of dance, and provides the information needed to expand the enjoyment of performance.

"Undergrad text for general-education courses helps students fulfill fine arts credits. This text will help students form a connection to and appreciation for dance as both an art form and a lifetime physical activity, no matter their primary course of study or eventual career path"--

Provides photographs of members of the American Ballet Theatre demonstrating positions and includes discussion and photographs of classwork, rehearsal, choreography, and major ballets.

The book seeks to help early childhood educators and parents in very practical ways and provides guidance based on a sound theoretical understanding.

A concise introduction to the study of dance ranging from the practical aspects such as technique and choreography to more theoretical considerations such as aesthetic appreciation and the place of dance in different cultures. This book answers questions such as: Exactly how do we define dance? What kinds of people dance and what kind of training is necessary? How are dances made? What do we know about dance history? Featuring a glossary, chronology of dance history and list of useful websites, this book is the ideal starting point for anyone interested in the study of dance.