Another excellent book in the Eyewitness lineup from DK Publishing, Dance is an in-depth look into the ritual that is as old as time itself.
From the very beginnings of time, humans have danced, to celebrate, to bring luck to the hunt or ask for rain, to express emotion; whatever part it played, dance has always existed in one form or another.
Starting with the explanation of what dance is, (a series of movements performed in patterns and set to an accompaniment) we then learn about more than just dance.
The importance of costume and makeup is covered , with masks, footwear and body painting all included in these sections.
The book is not about the types of dance but more the elements of dance which I found absolutely fascinating and I highly recommend it for those interested in the subject.
For more information on this book and others, you can visit DK Books at http://www.dk.com, and click the flag to choose your country.
Reading level: 8 – 17 years
Page Count: 72 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Publisher’s synopsis: Relaunched with a new jacket and 8 pages of expanded text!
Here is an original and exciting new guide to the magic and beauty of dance around the world. Step-by-step sequences and glorious full-color photographs offer a unique “eyewitness” view of dance traditions including the magical performances, stunning costumes- and extraordinary talent of dancers. See a ballet costume designed by Picasso, dancers who balance on stilts, and headdresses studded with gemstones. Learn why male dancers sometimes dress as women, the stories of the great classical ballets, and why the tango was banned. Discover why Japanese dancers “flow like water,” see dance crazes from the last 100 years, witness the dervishes who whirl around in worship, and much, much more.
About the Author: Andree Grau