Ballet and Modern Dance

Whether as performers or spectators, more people enjoy dance today than ever before. Its extraordinary range extends from classical ballet and avant-garde modern dance to the revival of tap, ethnic dancing, and even baroque court spectacles. Susan Au's lucid text covers the rich history of the art as well as its present state, vividly describing the great performers and performances of the past as well as exploring in detail the dance world of today. A generous selection of illustrations completes the picture, taking the reader from the palaces of Medici to the lofts of Manhattan, from the dancing of XIV to the experimental choreography of Twyla Tharp and Pina Bausch. 137 illus., 20 in color.