The University of the Arts Libraries • Research Tools and Resources • Subject & Reference Guides

RESOURCES IN DANCE

This is a subject guide for finding materials on dance in the Greenfield and Music Libraries at The University of the Arts. Reference materials are listed first, followed by a list of suggested subject headings for searching library catalogs. Periodical indexes to magazine articles and newspapers are next, followed by style manuals and finally Web sites.

Call numbers in green are also available in the Music Library. A few dance-related titles are held exclusively by the Music Library; those sources and annotations are taken from the Music and Dance Reference Sources reference guide compiled by Mark Germer, Music Librarian. If you're interested in the musical aspects of dance please see that guide or contact Mark Germer. Interested in dance in musical theater? See Musical Theater Reference Sources

Would you like some help with dance research? Contact Sara MacDonald, one of the reference librarians. She'll be happy to help you get started. If your dance research also involves music, contact Mark Germer, the music librarian.

For a guide to the literature of dance, see Research in Dance: A Guide to Resources by Mary Bopp (G.K. Hall, 1994). This guide describes important library collections and archives around the world, dance book publishers and dealers, dance associations and organizations, as well as the reference literature of dance: dictionaries and encyclopedias, indexes, magazines and journals, bibliographies, and more. An important contribution to the literature of dance.
Greenfield REF 016 .7928 B644r
Music Library REF GV1594 .B66 1994

The sources quoted below some of the reference titles are:

Guide to Reference Books / edited by Eugene P. Sheehy. 10th ed. Chicago : American Library Association, 1986.
GREENFIELD REFERENCE 016 Sh3 1986

The Humanities : A Selective Guide to Information Sources / Ron Blazek and Elizabeth Aversa. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo. : Libraries Unlimited, 1988.
GREENFIELD REFERENCE 016.0013 B614h 1988

Other quoted annotations are taken from the sources themselves.

REFERENCE MATERIALS || SEARCHING THE CATALOG BY SUBJECT || FINDING VIDEOS OF DANCE || PERIODICAL INDEXES || STYLE MANUALS || WEB SITES

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Biographical Information || Dictionaries, Encyclopedias and Handbooks || Career Information, Directories of Companies, etc.

The first place to look when beginning research on a topic is in reference material: specialized dictionaries, encyclopedias or handbooks. These allow you to check names, dates and places, find additional information, look up unknown terms, and check for the proper spelling of words. They are particularly helpful for finding basic background information on a topic, and are often the only place many students may need to look to find answers to their questions. They may include bibliographies (lists of additional materials on a topic, usually considered by the author to be the best materials on that topic) that you can use to find other materials.

Bremser, Martha. Fifty Contemporary Choreographers. Routledge, 1999.
Greenfield REF 793.30922 B75f
Music Library REF GV 1785 .B74 1999

Each entry consists of an essay by a dance scholar, biographical information, list of works choreographed, and a bibliography.

Cohen-Stratyner, Barbara Naomi. Biographical Dictionary of Dance. Macmillan, 1982.
Greenfield REF 793.30922 C66b -also a copy in Greenfield Open Stacks under the same call number-
Music Library REF GV 1785 .A2C65 1982

"Offers brief biographical sketches of some 2,900 figures from 'the last four centuries of dance history in Europe and the Americas, embracing a wide range of theatrical genres, from the opera-ballet to the Broadway musical, from the burlesque striptease to the television variety show.' [Preface] Includes impresarios, composers, artists, etc., associated with dance, as well as performers and choreographers. Entries emphasize roles danced and works choreographed." quoted from Guide to Reference Books, p. 586.

Chujoy, Anatole and P. W. Manchester. The Dance Encyclopedia. Revised and enlarged edition. Simon & Schuster, 1967.
Greenfield REF 793.303 C477D 1967

A very good standard reference source.

Dictionary of Modern Ballet. Tudor Publishing, 1959.
Greenfield REF 792.803 D561g

"In one alphabet gives descriptions of ballets; famous ballet organizations and companies, etc; and biographical sketches of dancers, composers, designers, choreographers, etc." quoted from Guide to Reference Books, p. 586.

Beaumont, Cyril W. Complete Book of Ballets: A Guide to the Principal Ballets of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Putnam, 1938.
Greenfield REF 792.8 B38c

Arranged by choreographer, gives brief biographies of the choreographers, from Dauberval to Balanchine to Tudor, and synopses of their ballets; lists first performance and performers of each ballet.

Craine, Debra and Judith Mackrell. The Oxford Dictionary of Dance. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
Greenfield REF 792.803 C846o
Music Library REF GV 1585 .C78 2000

An eclectic range of entries focusing on history and practice. Strong on choreographers (including works lists in some cases), composers, visual artists, and authors known for their collaborations in the theater.

International Dictionary of Ballet. St. James Press, 1993.
Greenfield REF 792.803 In8 volumes 1 and 2

Covers individual artists (dancers, choreographers, librettists, composers, designers), individual ballets, and ballet companies. Although "ballet" is in the title, this sources covers major non-ballet dance figures such as Merce Cunningham and Mark Morris and designers such as Picasso, Matisse, Gontcharova, and Cocteau. Excellent source; entries include bibliographies.

International Dictionary of Modern Dance. St. James Press, 1998.
Greenfield REF 793.303 In8md

Similar to International Dictionary of Ballet above. Includes chronology of modern dance.

• • International Encyclopedia of Dance. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Greenfield REF 793.303 In8d v. 1-6

One of the most important dance publications of the 20th century. A great place to start any kind of dance research. Check the index in volume 6 to find all entries related to your topic. Entries include bibliographies. Also available online: International Encyclopedia of the Dance or go to http://library.uarts.edu/ and select Research Tools and Resources.

McDonough, Don. The Complete Guide to Modern Dance. Doubleday, 1976.
Greenfield REF 793.322 M145c

"The emphasis of the work is on the choreographers, and over 100 are covered in detail on a variety of levels. Material is arranged in a chronological sequence of five periods... Entries furnish a biographical sketch, accompanied by descriptions of one or more of the major works along with a chronology of all the person's works. ..." quoted from The Humanities: A Selective Guide to Information Sources, p. 225.

Robertson, Allen and Donald Hutera. The Dance Handbook. G. K. Hall, 1988.
Greenfield REF 792.809 R545d

Arranged more or less chronologically (use the index!), consists of brief entries on types of dance and biographies of dancers. Interesting.

Encyclopedia of Dance & Ballet. Edited by Mary Clarke & David Vaughan. Putnam, 1977.
Greenfield REF 793.3203 En19

Brief biographies plus definitions of terms, ballet companies, etc.

Balanchine, George and Mason, Francis. Balanchine's Complete Stories of the Great Ballets. Rev. and enl. ed. Doubleday, 1977.
Greenfield REF 792.84 B21c 1977

"Deals with 404 ballets, both those deemed 'of lasting importance in the history of the art' [Preface] and significant works of the 25 years prior to the completion of the book; includes works in the contemporary repertory and those which made a deep impression at the time they were introduced. Gives notes on first production and notable revivals as well as the stories, often with first-person commentary by Balanchine. Includes sections on 'How to enjoy ballet,' history and chronology, careers in ballet, and notes on dancers, dancing, and choreography. Glossary; index." quoted from Guide to Reference Books, p. 586.

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines. Rosen Publishing Group, 1999.
Greenfield REF 615.503 Il9al

Good starting point for information on disciplines such as yoga, Alexander technique, Pilates®, acupuncture, homeopathy, etc. Use the index to find your terms.

• • International Encyclopedia of Dance. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Greenfield REF 793.303 In8d v. 1-6

One of the most important dance publications of the 20th century. A great place to start any kind of dance research. Check the index in volume 6 to find all entries related to your topic. Entries include bibliographies. Also available online: International Encyclopedia of the Dance or go to http://library.uarts.edu/ and select Research Tools and Resources.

Grant, Gail. Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet. 3rd rev. edition. Dover, 1982.
Greenfield REF 792.8014 G767t 1982

Knust, Albrecht. Dictionary of Kinetography Laban (Labanotation). 2 volumes. MacDonald and Evans, 1979.
Greenfield REF 793.30148 K785d

Love, Paul. Modern Dance Terminology. Kamin Dance Publishers, 1953.
Greenfield REF 793.303 L941m

An interesting place to look up fall-recovery, contraction-release, kinesthetic response, etc. Love interviewed dancers such as Hanya Holm, Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey for assistance with the definitions.

Mara, Thalia. The Language of Ballet: A Dictionary. Dance Horizons, 1966.
Greenfield REF 792.803 M323L Music Library REF GV 1787 .M37 1987 [reprint]

McDonough, Don. The Complete Guide to Modern Dance. Doubleday, 1976.
Greenfield REF 793.322 M145c

"The emphasis of the work is on the choreographers, and over 100 are covered in detail on a variety of levels. Material is arranged in a chronological sequence of five periods... Entries furnish a biographical sketch, accompanied by descriptions of one or more of the major works along with a chronology of all the person's works. ..." quoted from The Humanities: A Selective Guide to Information Sources, p. 225.

Miles, Allan. The Gail Grant Dictionary of Classical Ballet in Labanotation. Dance Notation Bureau, 1976.
Greenfield REF 792.80148 M593g

National Standards for Dance Education: What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able to Do in Dance. National Dance Association, 1994.
Greenfield REF 793.307 N213n

Oxford Companion to the Body / editors, Colin Blakemore and Sheila Jennett. Oxford University Press, c2001.
Greenfield REF 612.003 Ox2b

This book attempts to cover "the 'art' of the human body--cultural, mythological, religious, historical and artistic perspectives--as well as the science." (from the preface) Arranged dictionary-style, with an index and cross-references, you will find definitions for dance, dance notation, mind-body interaction and yoga as well as migraine, fatigue, and the brain. Listed in "Best Consumer Health Books 2002" by Library Journal.

Raffe, Walter George. Dictionary of the Dance. Barnes, 1964.
Greenfield REF 793.3 R12

"Defines numerous terms relating to dances and dancing in all countries and periods. Describes in some detail specific dances and types of dances. No entries for individual dancers, choreographers, etc. A geographical index lists dances by country and culture of origin." quoted from Guide to Reference Books, p. 587.

Dance Annual Directory. Langhorne, PA: Macfadden Dance Magazine, c2003-.
Greenfield REF 790.2025 D195 2006

A bit dated now, but still very interesting and useful. Chapters include "Where to See Dance in New York," "Where to Study Dance in New York," "Dance Companies Based in New York," etc. Update this information by looking in the back of Dance Magazine.

Jacob, Ellen and Jonas, Christopher. Dance in New York: An Indispensable Companion to the Dance Capital of the World. Quick Fox, 1980.
Greenfield REF 793.30257471 J15d

A bit dated now, but still very interesting and useful. Chapters include "Where to See Dance in New York," "Where to Study Dance in New York," "Dance Companies Based in New York," etc. Update this information by looking in the back of Dance Magazine.

Jones, Mark W. Dancer's Resource : The Watson-Guptill Guide To Academic Programs, Internships And Apprentice Programs, Residential And Artist-In-Residence Programs, Studio Schools And Private Teachers, Workshops And Festivals. New York : Watson-Guptill Publications, c1999.
Greenfield REF 793.3025 J721d

Performing Arts Career Directory. 1st ed. Gale Research, 1994.
Greenfield REF 790.2023 P416m 1994

"A practical, one-step guide to getting a job in performing arts."

Grey House Performing Arts Directory. Millerton, NY: Grey House Pub., 2000- .
Greenfield REF 792 G86 2007

Wolfram, Eric. Your Dance Resumé: A Preparatory Guide to the Audition. San Francisco, CA : Dancepress, c1994.
Greenfield REF 793.3023 W833y

Searching the Catalog by Subject

The University Libraries combine their holdings in one online catalog. Use the University Libraries catalog to find books, videos, CDs, scores, journal titles, etc. To locate all of the materials the library holds on a topic, it is most efficient to search by Subject. Use the following subject headings in the online catalog. Be careful to follow the exact spelling and form. These subject headings are standard and are used in most libraries.

FINDING VIDEOS/DVDs

Looking for videos and DVDs of dance? There are a number of ways to search the UArts library catalog.

• Search by
  
  AUTHOR for choreographers (remember, LAST NAME FIRST: graham, martha) or for names of dance companies;
  TITLE for the title of the video or DVD;
  KEYWORD for names of particular pieces, e.g., "appalachian spring";
  
  
  then click LIMIT THIS SEARCH and limit by material type.
• You can also BROWSE video and DVD titles by going to the catalog and selecting Call Number, Other Call Number, and reading the instructions for "Other Call Number" searches in the catalog.
• You can find videos and DVDs by doing a broad subject search such as BALLETS and then LIMIT YOUR SEARCH by MATERIAL TYPE.
• Do a KEYWORD search and use the MATERIAL TYPE limiting option on the Keyword screen. Select "VIDEOCASSETTE" and "DVD" at the same time by holding down the shift key and clicking on one and then the other.

Still can't find what you need? Please ask for help any time.

PERIODICAL INDEXES: FINDING MAGAZINE ARTICLES

PERIODICAL INDEXES
On the Web:
Go to the library's Research Tools and Resources page for a list of the UArts Libraries' subscription databases, indexes, and reference works. You can select "View Databases by Type" or "View Databases by Subject" to see which is best for your topic, or you can always ask a librarian which ones to try. Try IIPA: International Index to the Performing Arts, LexisNexis Academic, and WilsonWeb. You may also want to try some of the art indexes if you're interested in performance art or avant-garde companies. Please see a librarian if you'd like help using these indexes.

In print:
Index to Dance Periodicals. Produced by the Dance Collection of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, this relatively new index just began in 1991; because of the depth of their indexing, the 1991 index was not published until 1993. However, this is a very thorough index that covers 86 journals, including 13 foreign language periodicals. Located on the lower shelves behind the card catalog, east end, in Greenfield Library. The contents of this can also be searched online via the New York Public Library's Dance Collection Catalog

STYLE MANUALS: CITING YOUR SOURCES

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Send questions or remarks about this page to Sara MacDonald, Public Services Librarian.
Last updated 01 April 2008 sjm

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