Encyclopedia of World Folk Dancb

While there are books about folk dances from individual countries or regions, there isn’t a single comprehensive book on folk dances across the globe. This illustrated compendium offers the student, teacher, choreographer, historian, media critic, ethnographer, and general reader an overview of the evolution and social and religious significance of folk dance.

The Encyclopedia of World Folk Dance focuses on the uniqueness of kinetic performance and its contribution to the study and appreciation of rhythmic expression around the globe. Following a chronology of momentous events dating from prehistoryto the present day, the entries in this volume include material on technical terms, character roles, and specific dances. The entries also summarize the historical and ethnic milieu of each style and execution, highlighting, among other elements, such features as:

• origins
• purpose
• rituals and traditions
• props
• dress
• holidays
• themes

Mary Ellen Snodgrass taught high school and university classes for 23 years and served as a state humanities lecturer and member of the NC Library Commission. She is the author of several works of award-winning reference volumes including Japan vs. U.S.A. (1993), Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature (2006), Encyclopedia of Utopian Literature (1995), Encyclopedia of Fable (1998), Encyclopedia of the Underground Railroad (2007), Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion (2013), and The Encyclopedia of World Ballet (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015).