Modern Dance

Children's Literature

The girl on the cover is shown with her body flowing to whatever music she is hearing. Modern dance according to Garofoli, a freelance writer for Dance Magazine, allows dancers to use their bodies and the space around them to express themselves. Modern dance had been influenced by ballet, jazz, and other dance forms, as well as exercise such as yoga and Pilates. Some of the great names in modern dance such as Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Alvin Ailey are ones that adults may recognize, but it is unlikely that they would mean much to the kids reading these books. The pages show modern dancers, most of whom are not kids. A few basic movements are depicted, but there is also a caution to have a spotter and a proper surface while learning. Unless a young reader is really interested in dance forms or is preparing a report, this book will probably not hold much appeal. As with other books in the "Snap Dance" series, there is a short glossary, a few fast facts, a limited number of titles to learn more (there is plenty of space on the page to augment these sections) and Fact Hound to help with Internet research. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot