An American Ballroom Companion
Explore historical dance manuals alongside etiquette texts and other documents.
Library of CongressDance has many histories. Follow places, practices and people; distinguish a documented source, a personal memory and an artistic reconstruction.
A manual records instructions, but may leave out timing, local variation and who could attend. A film records one performance through a camera’s choices. A spoken memory records a person’s perspective.
Compare these sources rather than asking any one of them to stand for an entire period. Note the author, date, place, intended audience and what remains uncertain.
Explore historical dance manuals alongside etiquette texts and other documents.
Library of CongressBegin with the dance division’s own information about its collections and access.
New York Public LibraryMartha Graham establishes her company and school in New York.
SourcesAlvin Ailey and Company gives its first performance in New York on March 30.
SourcesPina Bausch takes charge of the Wuppertal ballet for the 1973/74 season.
Sources