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This study describes and analyzes the phenomenal popularity of exotic dance forms among mainstream Americans. Throughout the twentieth century and especially since 1950, millions of Americans have begun learning and performing various Balkan dances, the tango, and other Latin American dances, along with the classical dances of India, Japan, and Indonesia.

While most previous studies in dance ethnography and anthropology have focused specifically on "dancing in the field," or the dancing that native dancers do in their own environments, this study turns the tables to examine the ways in which ethnic dancing has allowed many Americans to create more exciting and romantic identities through dancing the dances of the "exotic other," if only within the framed moment of a one-time dance lesson or performance. Throughout the work, the author describes the uniquely American enthusiasm for learning exotic dances, describing specific deficiencies in the U.S. cultural identity that have led many people to seek new or alternative identities through the various exotic dance genres. ... Read more

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Hula dancing is entering the mainstream as it earns recognition as a fun, innovative form of exercise. This kit comes with a 32-page instructions book, wooden finger castanets, a lei, and flower hair ornament. ... Read more

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In this great dance/song book one will visit Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Panama and Mexico. All will enjoy Fado Blanquita * Huyano * El Llanero * Marinera * Palapala * Vos Viejitos * Si Señor * Tamborito. Text background on many songs is included. ... Read more

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This comprehensive work contains in-depth descriptions of Poland's most characteristic dances. Step-by-step instructions on basic steps with illustrations and over 90 appropriate musical selections with historical information on folklore. The author was born and raised in Poland and is the artistic director and choreographer of the Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble in Milwaukee. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Heritage Recovered
I was expecting a pamphlet and I received a treasure. Particularly, I enjoyed the background on the dances, the clarity of expression in describing the steps, and the author herself.A surprising plus, all the Polish words and captions are given a pronunciation key, a terrific help for those of us who have lost our heritage language. I am honored to have a signed copy.Also available are two cassettes with the music for the dances, recorded by the author in her travels in Poland.This book is a treasure for dance teachers and everyone who believes that heritage should be preserved.

Comprehensive Reference of Polish Folk Dance & Music
A very comprehensive and thoroughly researched reference for Polish regional and national dances. Published in english it explores the origins and sources of dances through numerous musically notated examples whichhave original dialect lyrics plus translations. Dances are explored intheir regional, historic and cultural context. A Tailored reference forchoreographers, dance groups and musicians it can also be read to obtain anunderstanding of regional influences, movement and progression oftraditional folk dance types within Poland. The text provides detailedinstructions for dance formations and choreography with diagrams showingbody stance and presentation for performance. The authors have produced athorough reference with over a hundred examples that preserves arepresentative portion of this special heritage. ... Read more

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Which dance is performed on stilts? In which country would you find the famous Schuhplattler dance? What is folk dancing? Country and Folk Dance provides a detailed look at the huge variety of country and folk dancing from all over the world, from line and

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Scholar Skiles Howard examines the social and semiotic complexities of dance in Renaissance England as it changed over time and performed different work in court, city, and playhouse. Interdisciplinary in its approach, this well-researched study explores issues of power and the body, gender and rank, popular culture and European expansion. 20 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Politics of dancing... in performance
This book makes an important contribution to the young and growing field of dance history, but the title is somewhat misleading. Skiles Howard's conclusions about the politics of dancing are primarily drawn from theatrical texts such as masques and plays, as opposed to traditional political sources such as legislation, philosophical treaties, or court records. This is literary or performance history, as opposed to political history. On the other hand, the bibliography and notes provide an excellent survey of and guide to further reading on a variety of related topics. ... Read more

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Text and photographs introduce some dances of various countries around the world. ... Read more

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The first in-depth analysis of state-sponsored, professional dance ensembles. ... Read more

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This is the first work published on zapin, a Malaysian performing art which extends to Singapore and East Sumatra. The syncretic combination of Arab and Malay performance elements in this dance is explained in detail with the extensive use of dance and music notations. The book shows how the transition of zapin from a communal level to a national one involved not only a contextual change but also change in its structure and cultural meaning. It also traces the evolution of the Malay dance form from a participatory art to one that is passively observed and investigates the music and dance structure of the genre. ... Read more