Stepping Left simultaneously unveils the radical roots of modern dance and recalls the excitement and energy of New York City in the 1930s. Ellen Graff explores the relationship between the modern dance movement and leftist political activism in this period; describing the moment in American dance history when the revolutionary fervor of "dancing modern" was joined with the revolutionary vision promised by the Soviet Union. This account reveals the major contribution of Communist and left-wing politics to modern dance during its formative years in New York City. From Communist Party pageants to union hall performances to benefits for the Spanish Civil War; Graff documents the passionate involvement of American dancers in the political and social controversies that raged throughout the Depression era. Dancers formed collectives and experimented with collaborative methods of composition at the same time that they were marching in May Day parades; demonstrating for workersrsquo; rights; and protesting the rise of fascism in Europe. Graff records the explosion of choreographic activity that accompanied this lively periodmdash;when modern dance was trying to establish legitimacy and its own audience. Stepping Left restores a missing legacy to the history of American dance; a vibrant moment that was supressed in the McCarthy era and almost lost to memory. Revisiting debates among writers and dancers about the place of political content and ethnicity in new dance forms; Stepping Left is a landmark work of dance history.
#1169421 in eBooks 2013-12-17 2013-12-17File Name: B00HDZKWKS
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Fine work by two kings.By Eric V. MoyeLike many others; I was skeptical when this was first released. B.B. is the undisputed King of the Blues; and I wondered how well he and Eric Clapton would mesh. But then; I heard "Come Rain or Come Shine" on the radio; and I was hooked (some times; I think it is impossible for someone to do a bad job with this song).The title; "Riding With the King" kinda lets us know who is the Boss here. Clapton and B.B. both did themselves proud with this album; though. There is more than enough to make this a worthwhile purchase. The instrumental work between them is the best; and their two distinctive styles mesh well together. However; Slow Hands cannot hang when it comes to the vocal aspect of the Blues; and is a tad short in some blues classics.They positively burn down the house with their rendition of the Isaac Hayes/David Porter classic "Hold On; Im Coming". That alone makes this worth the price of a ticket to ride. This is a fine fine disc.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Bob GosselinExcellent collaboration between two blues legends. What more can one ask for. Lay back; relax; listen enjoy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. for the beginning B.B. King fanBy wen2501If youre beginning to discover B.B. Kings music or are new to Eric Claptons career; this may be the album to start learning where Claptons influences came from. Here; he teams with the blues legend on a new song; the title track; and several re-workings of his songs. I like "Riding with the King;" "Ten Long Years;" "Key to the Highway;" "Three Oclock Blues;" "Help the Poor;" "I Wanna Be;" the rollicking "Days of Old;" and "When My Heart Beats like a Hammer." Bub truthfully; there is no bad song here.
