Aloff takes us on a journey through various forms of dance—rituals, religious observances, storytelling, musical interpretations—to show why dance matters to human beings. Interlaced with personal experiences, this book builds on analysis to reveal the intimate relationship we have with dance—personal, spiritual, soul-searching, medicinal, and entertaining.
Robert Gottlieb’s immense sampling of the dance literature–by far the largest such project ever attempted–is both inclusive, to the extent that inclusivity is possible when dealing with so vast a field, and personal: the result of decades of reading. Includes a contribution by Mindy Aloff.
Agnes George de Mille (1905-1993) was one of the most popular choreographers of American theater and film in the twentieth century. She was also one of the greatest writers on dance in English, alongside Edwin Denby, Arlene Croce, and Alastair Macaulay. De Mille published eleven books, a review of the London première of Balanchine’s Prodigal Son, and a monograph ("Russian Journals"). Sadly, of these, only her biography of Martha Graham remains in print. Leaps in the Dark is a dazzling collection that reintroduces de Mille’s astounding written legacy to a new generation of dance enthusiasts. Mindy Aloff’s brief introductions provide just enough context to allow de Mille’s brilliant portraits to shine all the brighter. This anthology presents the Prodigal Son review in full, alongside excerpts from the monograph and eight of de Mille’s ten books now out of print. The result is a beautifully crafted volume that highlights some of the most engaging, witty, and evocative dance writing ever penned.
