Dance on Its Own Terms Histories and Methodologies

Dance on its Own Terms: Histories and Methodologiesanthologizes a wide range of subjects examined from dance-centered methodologies: modes of research that are emergent, based in relevant systems of movement analysis, use primary sources, and rely on critical, informed observation of movement. The anthology fills a gap in current scholarship by emphasizing dance history and core disciplinary knowledge rather than theories imported from disciplines outside dance. Individual chapters serve as case studies that are further organized into three categories of significant dance activity: performance and reconstruction, pedagogy and choreographic process, and notational and other written forms that analyze and document dance. The breadth of the content reflects the richness and vibrancy of the dance field; each deeply informed examination serves as a window opening onto the larger world of dance. Conceptually, each chapter also raises concerns and questions that point to broadly inclusive methodological applications. Engaging and insightful,Dance on its Own Termsrepresents a major contribution to research on dance.

Melanie Bales is Professor of Dance at The Ohio State University and author of The Body Eclectic: Evolving Practices in Dance Training (2007).

Karen Eliot is also Professor of Dance at The Ohio State University and author of Dancing Lives: Five Female Dancers from the Ballet d'Action to Merce Cunningham (2007).