Martha Graham in "Indian episode" from American Document. Library of Congress.
The following are call number ranges for modern dance materials in the library's physical collections:
Subject Headings:
Borzoi Book of Modern Dance by
What is "modern dance" and how does it differ from ballet and other forms of theatrical dancing-who made it what it is? These questions and their answers are the subjects around which Margaret Lloyd has written a unique and endlessly entertaining book. Originally published in 1949, The Borzoi Book of Modern Dance captures the beginnings of modern dance history fresh from its inception. Margaret Lloyd creates a detailed, witty and insightful overview of the art form in its early stages. The book is organized by individuals and then branches into documentation of important subcategories of dance (subsidizing; humanizing dance; forms of documentation). The seminal choreographers, teachers and dance groups of the first half of the twentieth century are all included: Isadora Duncan, Mary Wigman, Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman, Helen Tamiris, Hanya Holm, The New Dance Group, José Limón, Anna Sokolow, Esther Junger, Sybil Shearer, Katherine Dunham, Valerie Bettis, Pearl Primus, Lester Horton and Eleanor King. Lloyd describes the importance of each of these individuals through personal anecdotes, performance recounts and creative analysis. When there is a story, Lloyd tells it. When a choreographic invention or effect is important, she describes it. The Borzoi Book of Modern Dance deals with a range of aspects of the art form to show that modern dance is a question of attitude, a way of expression, social perceptions and sociological thrusts. It is the personality of modern dance, captured in words. Includes 49 illustrations.
The Dance Encyclopedia by
Covers classic and modern dance, including ballet, tap, ballroom, and folk. Includes plot summaries, choreographers, designers, composers, original casts, history, and terminology.
The Dancer Prepares: : modern dance for beginners by
This accessible, easy-to-read text designed for beginning and intermediate modern dance courses provides students with concrete, practical information on both the technical and creative aspects of modern dance.
Modern Dance: Techniques and Teaching by
"Modern Dance Techniques and Teaching" is truly one of a kind: it is the only book to be published documenting Martha Graham's movement philosophy, as recorded by two of Graham's original followers. The purpose of the book, according to its authors, is "to analyze, illustrate and organize for teaching purposes some of the vocabulary (techniques) of modern dance to provide a reference and a guide for teachers and students of modern dance." The book is divided into three sections: Dance Warm-ups: Floor and Standing; Dance Exercises: Floor and Standing; Dance Techniques: Floor, Standing, Space. Dance Warm-ups presents the bounces, extensions and stretches; Dance Exercises offers arm patterns, knee bends, foot and leg exercises; Dance Techniques contains simple to complex examples of dance vocabulary as mediums for expression. The space techniques are divided into jumps, leaps and falls. The text discusses the principles of modern dance as logical precepts for correct body education and both general and specific interpretations of creative dance. "Modern Dance Techniques and Teaching" features thirty-nine pages of step-by-step instructional illustrations, each of which comprises three to fourteen photographs. The techniques described in the text and visual aids are applicable to all sizes and levels of classes. Includes 39 illustrations.
Done into Dance: Isadora Duncan in America by 
Windward Community College Library
