Modern dancing and dancers

The book surveys the evolution of dance from ancient ritual and social practice to modern theatrical forms, tracking changes in attitude, costume, and technique. It chronicles the rise, heyday, and decline of the ballet, details popular phenomena such as the skirt and serpentine dances and high-kicking entertainments, and examines efforts to revive classical and folk traditions. It profiles major schools and companies, with particular attention to the Imperial Russian company, and sketches the repertories and leading performers who shaped modern practice. Final chapters consider national styles including English, Oriental, and Spanish dancing and assess prospects for the art's future.