World Dance History
Ritual, Politics, Global Engagement, and Citizenship
(First Edition)
©2026, 366 pages
Paperback list price: $149.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $102.95
You save $47 (31%)
Learn about all formats available for adoption
Bookstore Managers: contact orders@cognella.com to place an order
World Dance History: Ritual, Politics, Global Engagement, and Citizenship provides readers with a comprehensive exploration of dance across a multitude of cultures and eras. The text examines the relationship between dance and society, interrogating cultural identity, religious practices, political movements, and mechanisms of social control. Readers are invited to consider dance not merely as an art form but as a potent cultural artifact that communicates the richness of human history and experience.
The book surveys the cultural function of dance in various regional and historical contexts, discussing the significance of African dances, sacred versus secular dance in South and Southeast Asia, and the intersections of ceremony versus propaganda in East Asian dance forms. Readers discover dance innovations during the Industrial Revolution, the nuanced dynamism of early American theatrical jazz dance, and the cultural revolutions heralded by hip-hop. Each chapter provides a lens through which the reader can learn to assess and appreciate the diverse interpretations and purposes of dance throughout world history.
Designed to help students develop a greater understanding of the ways in which dance can shape and reflect human citizenship, World Dance History is ideal for courses in dance history, cultural anthropology, and world culture.
The book surveys the cultural function of dance in various regional and historical contexts, discussing the significance of African dances, sacred versus secular dance in South and Southeast Asia, and the intersections of ceremony versus propaganda in East Asian dance forms. Readers discover dance innovations during the Industrial Revolution, the nuanced dynamism of early American theatrical jazz dance, and the cultural revolutions heralded by hip-hop. Each chapter provides a lens through which the reader can learn to assess and appreciate the diverse interpretations and purposes of dance throughout world history.
Designed to help students develop a greater understanding of the ways in which dance can shape and reflect human citizenship, World Dance History is ideal for courses in dance history, cultural anthropology, and world culture.
Debi Worth serves as faculty in the Dance and Anthropology departments at Folsom Lake College where she developed the first A.A. degree in Dance Studies in Northern California. Professor Worth has extensive experience as a dancer touring worldwide and has taught in L.A., New York, London, and Japan. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Dance and Anthropology from the University of California, Irvine and two master’s degrees from the University of Surrey, Roehampton in London. Her doctoral research scrutinizes the workplace applicability of college dance education in the 21st century.
Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
Publisher Direct Versions — Available through the Cognella Student Store for confirmed adoptions |
||
|
$102.95
Best Value! |
Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
|
$131.95
Shipping Included! |
Publisher Direct Paperback | These special, discounted paperback editions are sold exclusively through the Cognella Student Store (store.cognella.com) for confirmed adoptions. They are not available through other retailers. The books are printed on demand, do not have an ISBN, and are not intended for resale, which results in savings we pass along to students. Most Publisher Direct Paperbacks also come with free, immediate access to the first 30% of the ebook and shipping included. |
Higher Education Bookstore Pricing — These suggested retail prices include a total projected mark-up of 25% |
||
|
Inclusive Access Available!
|
Ebook 979-8-8233-7721-8 |
We partner with VitalSource, Kortext, and RedShelf to provide day-one access to students through campus bookstores. Bookstores and these vendors share in the total projected mark-up. Learn more about Inclusive Access at cognella.com/inclusive-access. Contact us for details. |
| $149.95 | Paperback 978-1-7935-5061-3 |
Standard paperback version. Contact us for course adoptions; also available for individual purchase through national wholesalers and retailers — and from our website directly — see Purchase button above. |
| See more options | ||
| Other Formats Talk to a rep for details |
Other formats (perforated, hardcover, etc.) may be available. Contact us for course adoptions; specialty formats are not available for individual purchase. | |
Instructor resources available upon request.
