What the Eye Hears: A History of Tap Dancing
By Brian Seibert
Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 612 pages; $35
The New York Times dance critic Brian Seibert delivers an illuminating history of tap dance, including its origins in jig and clog dancing; hoofers like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the Nicholas Brothers and John Bubbles; and how stars like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly took it to the silver screen.
Dance to the Piper
By Agnes de Mille
NYRB Classics; 368 pages; $17.95
Twentieth-century choreographer Agnes de Mille is famous for her ballets and Broadway works, including Rodeo, Oklahoma! and Fall River Legend. In her 1951 memoir, now released in a new edition with an introduction by dance writer Joan Acocella, de Mille tells her story with humor and candor.
Comments on Jazz Dance, 1996–2014
By Bob Boross
Bob Boross; 244 pages; $11.99
Matt Mattox disciple Bob Boross, who is on faculty at Shenandoah Conservatory and directs Bob Boross Freestyle Jazz Dance, has gathered nearly two decades of his writings on jazz dance history, style and philosophy.
Swing Dance: Fashion, Music, Culture and Key Moves
By Scott Cupit
Jacqui Small LLP; 192 pages; $29.99
Four major styles of swing dance—the Charleston, collegiate shag, Balboa and Lindy Hop—are covered in this comprehensive manual by Australian swing dance expert Scott Cupit. Swing Dance is full of step-by-step instructions, historical tidbits, musical selections for each dance and beautiful photos.
