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Dance forms around the world

 Collection
Identifier: Film Collection no. 91

Scope and Contents

A comparative study of dance forms around the world is examined in this program by Harry L. Shapiro, AMNH anthropologist, and the dance critic of the New York Herald Tribune, Walter Terry. A special feature of the program includes a performance by the John Butler dancers demonstrating the basic movements and gestures of representative dances from around the world. Charles Collingwood discusses the basic differences in dance technques with Terry and Shapiro. In India, Bali, Thailand, and Japan, there has always been a great emphasis on hand movements in dance. Tropical regions and areas of North Africa in particular usually have stronger hip movements in their style, Spanish and Russian dance involves brisk emphasis on heel movements, and European and American dancers use their whole foot while dancing. Film clips of various styles of dance supplement the discussion. Environmental and ethnographic factors, such as climate and costume, are discussed by Shapiro. Terry concentrates on technical criticism of the dances.

Dates

  • 1955

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Not available through interlibrary loan. Contact AMNH Library Special Collections for terms of access.

Extent

1 Film Reel (30 minutes) : sound, black and white ; 16 mm.

1 Videocassette (U-Matic (30 minutes)) : sound, black and white ; 3/4 in.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

3/4 in., U-Matic, viewing copy

Other Finding Aids

Finding aid: script.

General

Original format: 16mm kinescope.

General

Originally aired Jan. 16, 1955 as part of the CBS/AMNH Adventure television series.

General

http://libcat1.amnh.org/record=b1139096

General

Credits: Charles Collingwood, host; Mel Ferber, director; Perry Wolff, producer; Robert Northshield and Jac Venza, assistant producers; Shelby Gordon, script editor; Joan Woodward, associate director; Grover Cole, production design; Bernard Birnbaum, supervisor of film; Herb Harris, music; Al Mifelow, program assistant; Frank Protzman, technical director; Myron Bleam, set director; Hal Anderson, light director; William Walstrom, costumer; Glen Tetley, Mary Hinkson and Yuriko (John Butler dancers), performers.

Title
Dance forms around the world, 1955
Author
Iris Lee
Date
2018
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library Repository

Contact:
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
New York NY 10024 USA
(212) 769-5420