“The immense scope is handled with clarity and insight, fitting American country dancing into the broader context of American studies… Nevell records American country dances as historical artifacts, as social expressions of rural and urban communities, as manifestations of democracy, and as an evolving traditional art that changes to meet the needs of a changing American society. The breezy, relaxed style lends itself to easy reading, and is accompanied by excellent illustrations.” 

                                                                                —American Library Association

It is a time to dance. We live in a country where division, distance, and distraction have become the norm, pushing us further away from one another. Dancing is much more than movement, it is one of the most exhilarating ways to bring people together and put aside differences, giving everyone a sense of belonging, a kind of social capital. Americans have shared a love of dancing for centuries. Rich, poor, urbanites, country-folk, and people of every race, age, religion, and gender have found a common bond in this nourishing art form. 

In addition to a fascinating history of country dance and a comprehensive bibliography and resource addendum, anecdotes from dancers, musicians, and callers nationwide describe the beneficial effects dancing has on the mind, body, and spirit. As a southern Appalachian mountain dancer says, “The dancing itself is a kind of statement…and it’s complete…it’s just a motion, an opportunity to free myself!”

A splendid book, at once personable and probing, I predict will become a dance classic." Denver Post

Richard Nevell is a photographer, author, filmmaker, and songwriter. He is a member of ASCAP. With funds from the National Endowment for the Arts co-produced two films with Robert Fiore: Country Corners and Full of Life A-Dancin’ based on material in this book. He lives in Bali, Indonesia and New Hampshire. 

ISBN: 9780872332799

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Distributor: University Press of New England (UPNE)