Mark Knowles, choreographer of more than 300 theatrical productions, is on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, California.

“extensive research...recommended...will satisfy readers who would like more early history”—Library Journal; “photos are outstanding...a superior contribution...more than commendable, it’s indispensable...fascinating”—Classic Images; “this lively and engaging book embodies the vitality, energy, and syncopated rhythm of the dance form it discusses...an excellent resource guide”—Choice; “comprehensive...highly readable”—Dance Spirit; “represents some of most extensive and contemporary writings available on the subject...definitive”—Dancer.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments    List of Illustrations    Preface     PART I: PRIMARY INFLUENCES1 Irish Influences    2 English Influences    3 African Influences     4 Dance in the West Indies    5 Dance in New Orleans     6 Dance on the Plantation     7 Slave Religion and the Ring Shout     8 Dispersion of African-American Dances     PART II. THEATRICAL INFLUENCES9 Early Theatrical Developments     10 “Daddy” Rice     11 The King of Diamonds and Master Juba     12 The Virginia Minstrels     13 The Development of the Minstrel Show     14 Black Minstrelsy and Musical Theatre     15 Other Forms of Entertainment    16 Vaudeville     17 English Music Hall     18 Women on the Stage    PART III: OTHER INFLUENCES19 Indian, Gypsy, and Spanish Influences     20 German and Shaker Influences    21 Native American Influences     22 American Country Dance     23 Conclusions     Notes     Bibliography     Index

Mark Knowles, choreographer of more than 300 theatrical productions, is on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, California.

“extensive research...recommended...will satisfy readers who would like more early history”—Library Journal; “photos are outstanding...a superior contribution...more than commendable, it’s indispensable...fascinating”—Classic Images; “this lively and engaging book embodies the vitality, energy, and syncopated rhythm of the dance form it discusses...an excellent resource guide”—Choice; “comprehensive...highly readable”—Dance Spirit; “represents some of most extensive and contemporary writings available on the subject...definitive”—Dancer.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments    List of Illustrations    Preface     PART I: PRIMARY INFLUENCES1 Irish Influences    2 English Influences    3 African Influences     4 Dance in the West Indies    5 Dance in New Orleans     6 Dance on the Plantation     7 Slave Religion and the Ring Shout     8 Dispersion of African-American Dances     PART II. THEATRICAL INFLUENCES9 Early Theatrical Developments     10 “Daddy” Rice     11 The King of Diamonds and Master Juba     12 The Virginia Minstrels     13 The Development of the Minstrel Show     14 Black Minstrelsy and Musical Theatre     15 Other Forms of Entertainment    16 Vaudeville     17 English Music Hall     18 Women on the Stage    PART III: OTHER INFLUENCES19 Indian, Gypsy, and Spanish Influences     20 German and Shaker Influences    21 Native American Influences     22 American Country Dance     23 Conclusions     Notes     Bibliography     Index

Mark Knowles, choreographer of more than 300 theatrical productions, is on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, California.

“extensive research...recommended...will satisfy readers who would like more early history”—Library Journal; “photos are outstanding...a superior contribution...more than commendable, it’s indispensable...fascinating”—Classic Images; “this lively and engaging book embodies the vitality, energy, and syncopated rhythm of the dance form it discusses...an excellent resource guide”—Choice; “comprehensive...highly readable”—Dance Spirit; “represents some of most extensive and contemporary writings available on the subject...definitive”—Dancer.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments    List of Illustrations    Preface     PART I: PRIMARY INFLUENCES1 Irish Influences    2 English Influences    3 African Influences     4 Dance in the West Indies    5 Dance in New Orleans     6 Dance on the Plantation     7 Slave Religion and the Ring Shout     8 Dispersion of African-American Dances     PART II. THEATRICAL INFLUENCES9 Early Theatrical Developments     10 “Daddy” Rice     11 The King of Diamonds and Master Juba     12 The Virginia Minstrels     13 The Development of the Minstrel Show     14 Black Minstrelsy and Musical Theatre     15 Other Forms of Entertainment    16 Vaudeville     17 English Music Hall     18 Women on the Stage    PART III: OTHER INFLUENCES19 Indian, Gypsy, and Spanish Influences     20 German and Shaker Influences    21 Native American Influences     22 American Country Dance     23 Conclusions     Notes     Bibliography     Index