National
Dance
by
Margaret Allenby-Jaffé
(Published by The Crowood
Press)
The
author (aka Margaret Dixon-Phillip) was a well-known
Senior/International Examiner who is respected and revered
as one of the connoisseurs of Folk and National dance.
Her husband, Nigel Allenby-Jaffé, shares her
love of the subject and many teachers will have benefited
from the in-depth lecture/discussions at which the duo
generously shared their knowledge and expertise. Those
of you who possess their many books already written
on the subject will be anxious to obtain a copy of this
latest publication. Those of you for whom National Dance
is a ‘first’ will be inspired to obtain
the earlier publications by Folk Dance Enterprises.
This excellent book is written in two parts followed
by appendices, and a very useful bibliography and index.
Part
One contains six chapters covering general information
regarding History and Development, Style, Music, Costumes,
Connection with Animals and Folk Dance in Education
and its Teaching.
The History section covers the general development of
dance and its spread through and between various countries.
There is a chapter on style and what makes style. It
analyses how the style emanates from the character of
the people who in turn have been influenced by the climate
and geography of the country as well as its music and
costume.
The music section contains a clear description of structure,
some time signatures or phrasing, the use of harmonies
and melodies and the particular instruments, which determine
the sound and quality of the relevant country. In the
same chapter is a list and description of the most universally
used instruments.
The chapter on costume gives comprehensive detail of
costumes from the simplest to the most elaborate. The
text and illustrations cover headdresses and accessories
as well as the types of costumes. These are superbly
illustrated, with beautiful photographs and pictures
in both colour and monochrome being spread throughout
the whole of the book.
There is a chapter on animals and how they have influenced
some dances and another containing helpful information
about Dance in Education.
Part Two of the book is rich in information analysed
country by country. The text is diverse and comprehensive
ranging from steps, shapes and style through to folklore,
traditions and festivals.
The appendices contains music notation and dance notes
of dances from six different countries. Open the book
randomly and on any page there will be fascinating anecdotes
or stories of festivals such as wedding traditions,
rituals, May Day, fighting dances and children’s
games or simply a beautiful photograph of a head-dress,
a costume or a dancer. Not only a mine of information
for the serious and not so serious student but an interesting
read for the layman or casual reader.
The book is a valuable source of information for those
preparing the theory section of a practical National
examination as well as an important tool for research
for those writing essays or studying at a higher level.
It should be part of the content of the bookshelf of
all those who have a love of National Dance.
Heather Rees
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