Dancing Many Drums: Excavations in African American Dance (Studies in Dance History)

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Summary: A seminal study of African-American music and dance
Review: Expertly written by dancer and choreographer Thomas F. DeFrantz (who is also an Associate Professor of Music and Theater Arts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) , Dancing Many Drums: Excavations In African American Dance is a ground breaking and seminal study of African-American music and dance, ranging from ring shouts and vaudeville to Hollywood movie dancing. A scholarly, well-researched, fascinating analysis that studies the very heart of the dance, Dancing Many Drums is a very highly recommended contribution to Music History Studies; African/American Studies; and Cultural History Studies supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

Rating:
Summary: Dancing Many Drums
Review: This is the most helpful book that I have found on African American Dance. From Hill's essay on Katherine Dunham's Southland to Green's work on Pearl Primus, this is an excellent resource on dance culture, especially as a form of resistance. DeFrantz also provides a useful and well-written overview in his introduction that contextualizes many of the essays. This book is very accessible and extremely valuable.