This exciting new and original collection locates dance within the spectrum of urban life in late modernity, through a range of theoretical perspectives. It highlights a diversity of dance forms and styles that can be witnessed in and around contemporary urban spaces: from dance halls to raves and the club striptease; from set dancing to ballroom dancing, to hip hop and swing, and to ice dance shows; from the ballet class, to fitness aerobics; and 'art' dance which situates itself in a dynamic relation to the city.
Senegal has played a central role in contemporary dance due to its rich performing traditions, as well as strong state patronage of the arts, first under French colonialism and later in the postcolonial era. In the 1980s, when the Senegalese economy was in decline and state fundingwithdrawn, European agencies used the performing arts as a tool in diplomacy. This had a profound impact on choreographic production and arts markets throughout Africa. In Senegal, choreographic performers have taken to contemporary dance, while continuing to engage with neo-traditional performance, regional genres like the sabar, and the popular dances they grew up with. A historically informed ethnography of creativity, agency, and the fashioning of selves through the different life stages in urban Senegal, this book explores the significance of this multiple engagement with dance in a context of economic uncertainty and rising concerns over morality in the public space.
Stepping Left simultaneously unveils the radical roots of modern dance and recalls the excitement and energy of New York City in the 1930s. Ellen Graff explores the relationship between the modern dance movement and leftist political activism in this period, describing the moment in American dance history when the revolutionary fervor of "dancing modern" was joined with the revolutionary vision promised by the Soviet Union. This account reveals the major contribution of Communist and left-wing politics to modern dance during its formative years in New York City. From Communist Party pageants to union hall performances to benefits for the Spanish Civil War, Graff documents the passionate involvement of American dancers in the political and social controversies that raged throughout the Depression era. Dancers formed collectives and experimented with collaborative methods of composition at the same time that they were marching in May Day parades, demonstrating for workers' rights, and protesting the rise of fascism in Europe. Graff records the explosion of choreographic activity that accompanied this lively period--when modern dance was trying to establish legitimacy and its own audience. Stepping Left restores a missing legacy to the history of American dance, a vibrant moment that was supressed in the McCarthy era and almost lost to memory. Revisiting debates among writers and dancers about the place of political content and ethnicity in new dance forms, Stepping Left is a landmark work of dance history.
This is the story of English Country Dance, from its 18th century roots in the English cities and countryside, to its transatlantic leap to the U.S. in the 20th century, told by not only a renowned historian but also a folk dancer, who has both immersed himself in the rich history of the folk tradition and rehearsed its steps. In City Folk, Daniel J. Walkowitz argues that the history of country and folk dancing in America is deeply intermeshed with that of political liberalism and the ‘old left.’ He situates folk dancing within surprisingly diverse contexts, from progressive era reform, and playground and school movements, to the changes in consumer culture, and the project of a modernizing, cosmopolitan middle class society. Tracing the spread of folk dancing, with particular emphases on English Country Dance, International Folk Dance, and Contra, Walkowitz connects the history of folk dance to social and international political influences in America. Through archival research, oral histories, and ethnography of dance communities, City Folk allows dancers and dancing bodies to speak. From the norms of the first half of the century, marked strongly by Anglo-Saxon traditions, to the Cold War nationalism of the post-war era, and finally on to the counterculture movements of the 1970s, City Folk injects the riveting history of folk dance in the middle of the story of modern America.
A singer with forbidden magic. An undercover renegade. How can she keep her magic a secret if it goes wild every time they dance? On Ylena’s first day inside the Shining City, a mysterious woman tricks her into auditioning for a magical ritual celebrating the Goddess. Every year, the young singers and dancers compete for the honor of performing in the enchanted ceremony, but with the ruthless High Priests in charge, a single wrong note is blasphemy. If learning her role wasn’t hard enough, unexpected emotions make rehearsals even more complicated. There’s Wilder, Ylena’s flirty costar who knows more about the city’s dark secrets than he’s willing to tell, and Caed, her dance instructor, a priest who isn’t what he seems. When Ylena manifests magic that makes her a threat, can she escape the spotlight at center stage before the High Priests discover her secret? Prepare to be swept into a world of beautiful magic, shocking twists, and breathless fairy tale romance. Inside you will find a sweet, slow-burn romance with a swoon-worthy couple, and a happily-ever-after at the end of the trilogy. Dance with the Wind is Book 1 in the City of Virtue and Vice series. If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, elemental magic, and sweet romance, then try the City of Virtue and Vice series today! KEYWORDS: ya fantasy romance, sweet fantasy romance, ya fantasy, fairy tale romance, young adult fantasy, young adult fantasy romance, romantic fantasy, strong heroine fantasy, strong female lead, clean fantasy romance, sweet fantasy romance, free, free fantasy romance, free young adult fantasy, slow burn, magic romance, enchanted magic, epic, love story, coming of age fantasy, swoony fantasy romance PERFECT FOR FANS OF: Elise Kova, Sylvia Mercedes, Alisha Klapheke, Tara Grayce, Casey L. Bond, Emma Hamm, Miranda Honfleur, Shari Tapscott, Frost Kay, Deborah Grace White, Shannon Mayer, K.F. Breene, Juno Hart, Laura Greenwood, Lindsay Buroker, Naomi Novik
A stunning celebration of movement and dance in hundreds of breathtaking photographs by the creative team behind NYC Dance Project. The Art of Movement is an exquisite collection of photographs by well-known dance photographers Ken Browar and Deborah Ory that capture the movement, flow, energy, and grace of many of the most accomplished dancers in the world. Featured are more than 70 dancers from companies including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company, Boston Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Abraham in Motion, and many more. Accompanying the photographs are intimate and inspiring words from the dancers, as well as from choreographers and artistic directors on what dance means to them.
Have you been feeling creatively stagnant or distanced from dance? Meet your new rectangular dance partner. A whisper from the creative muses. "The Artist's Way" in dance form. A calling to get back to dance and get back to YOU. Because starting to dance - again or for the first time - is often easier said than done. (Cue the intimidation, body image issues, time constraints, etc.) But dancing regularly is a proven source of happiness and healing, and for many it's a way to revive a lost part of our souls. This book is meant to be danced with, alone in your room to start, with a series of inspiring stories and directive prompts that you can do anytime. No more need for excuses or endlessly searching for the perfect class... make your bedroom your dance studio and DANCE WITH THIS BOOK. Side effects may include: making more space for yourself, reconnecting to your body, boosting your creative energy, releasing stress and stuck emotions, and feeling less alone. No leotards or expensive leggings required.
Kinesthetic City uses choreography as subject and method to explore how movement through particular spaces at precise moments can illuminate the communities in those places and times. It examines the simultaneous persistence and mobility of the idea of Chineseness as it travels across a transnational network of Chinese cities.
