National Dance

Explores and compares the cultural traditions that underpin folk dance in various part of Europe, and it considers the importance of dance both as a patriotic statement and as a force for education and international communication. This work also covers: the history and development of folk dance; and more.

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'Whosoever danceth not, knoweth not the way of life.'

At the time that this line from a second-century Gnostic hymn was written, dancing was still 'of the people, for the people, by the people', a medium in which man took his first faltering steps towards prayer and religion. It is at this dance of the common people - folk dance - that this book takes a long look.