Choreography Observed

This 1987 book of essays captures some of the clearest, most insightful, least pretentious dance writing around. Culled from Dance Magazine, the New York Times Ballet Review,Dancing Times, and other publications, these essays (originally published as reviews) serve as a guidebook through the world of late 20th-century dance, in form ("Patterns and Spinning Are Only a Part of It"), in trends ("The Rise of the Male Ensemble"), and especially in personalities ("Some Personal Grumbles About Martha Graham"). Jack Anderson does what few dance writers are able to do: in jargon-free language he describes the intellectual content of modern dance, as well as how the body moves through space and how it can communicate emotions beyond the power of speech.