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.

Discusses the land, history, government, people, and economy of Jamaica.

An ethnography of Dancehall, the dominant form of reggae music in Jamica since the early 1960s.

This volume describes the music and lore of Jamaica from the early 16th century through emancipation in 1838 to the mid-20th century. Olive Lewin explores the role of music in the lives of slaves and explores the life and beliefs of the Kumina cult queen, Imogene Queenie Kennedy.

This overview of folk dancing in the United States showcases an important historical movement and explains how folk dance communities evolved to fulfill the needs of specific groups of people over time. While the general term "folk dance" encompasses a surprising variety of specific dances, there are three major recreational communities or forms: international folk dance, modern western square dance, and contra dance. Throughout the last century, millions of people have enjoyed folk dancing as an educational and recreational activity, regardless of the particular style. Folk Dancing explains the reasons for the folk dance movement that exploded in Europe and North America in the late 19th century. It describes the clubs, camps, festivals, and communities that sprang up, and examines the culture of the movement—the music, key individuals and events, types of clothing, and influences of technologies and popular culture. The book contains authoritative, original information gleaned from the author's own research conducted with hundreds of folk dance enthusiasts across America.

Learn about the geography, culture, language, and much more in this in-depth overview of Jamaica. All books of the critically-acclaimed Cultures of the World® series ensure an immersive experience by offering vibrant photographs with descriptive nonfiction narratives, and interactive activities such as creating an authentic traditional dish from an easy-to-follow recipe. Copious maps and detailed timelines present the past and present of the country, while exploration of the art and architecture help your readers to understand why diversity is the spice of Life.