The General Theory of Dancing

For the first timeA universal theory – all genres of dance, all time periodsA truly scientific guide for researchers and scholarsAn overview of the world history of the danceA manual for students and practitionersA critical survey of the literature***The General Theory of Dancingby Alkis RaftisCan dance, like physics or economics, be framed within a general theory? Alkis Raftis, a renowned figure in the international dance community, answers with a bold yes — and delivers a clear, structured and thought-provoking treatise to prove it.This is not another manual of steps or styles, nor a nostalgic tribute to tradition. It is a comprehensive guide to thinking about dance: as a social phenomenon, as an art form, and as a subject of scholarly inquiry. It redefines the way we understand dance, offering new tools for classification, interpretation, and analysis.An essential read for dance students and teachers alike, this book is ideal for inclusion in academic curricula, particularly in theory, dance history, cultural studies or dance anthropology courses. It can serve as a primary textbook or as supplementary reading material in university programs and dance conservatories.Elevate dance to the level it deserves — alongside the other arts — with a book that bridges physical practice and intellectual reflection. Read more