Folk Dances of Jamaica is a detailed practical and theoretical discussion of five Jamaican folk dances - the Kumina, Dinkie Minie, Quadrille, Bruckin's, and Revival. The book's strength and appeal lies in the care taken to introduce, describe and illuminate in detail these dances. The book is invaluable for the student of dance, providing as it does practical information on both technique and performance, and is illustrated with bold drawings by "H" Patten. The author herself trained as a dancer and her book was researched in traditional settings in Jamaica and at the Jamaica School of Dance, where she studied after graduating in Performing Arts from Leicester Polytechnic. She has maintained a strong interest in dance, becoming Dance and Mime Officer for East Midlands Arts in the late 1980s and then General Manager for Adzido Dance Ensemble. As Arts Council England's Director of Dance from 1994 - 2003, Hilary championed the policy, development and promotion of all forms of dance nationally and internationally, before widening her expertise through leadership roles in the arts and broader cultural and creative industries.

With contributors from many fields and diverse cultural backgrounds, this book expands on the discourse and curriculum of dance in ways that connect it to the critical, political, moral and aesthetic dimensions of society, for example, examining choreography and issues of the self.

Concise, yet packed with information, these user-friendly volumes are introductions to modern nations of the world.

Originally published in various sources between 1907 and 1999.

An overview of Jamaica, including information on its geography, history, government, social life and customs, and relationship with the United States.

Jamaica is a tropical island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and west of Haiti. The country is composed of three counties: Cornwall, Middlesex, and Surrey, with Kingston being the capital city. It has a population of approximately 2.7 million people and has a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including African, East Indian, Chinese, and European. Jamaica has a rich and complicated history, having been inhabited by native Arawak and Taino peoples before being colonized by Spain and eventually Britain. The island was a major producer of sugarcane and was heavily reliant on slave labor brought over from Africa. This history has greatly influenced Jamaican culture, which is known for its music, cuisine, and distinct dialect of English known as Jamaican Patois. Despite facing economic struggles and political corruption, Jamaica remains a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly locals.