Free Hoedowns, Reels, And Frolics: Roots And Branches Of Southern Appalachian Dance (Music In American Life) Ebooks To Download
In Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics, old-time musician and flatfoot dancer Philip Jamison journeys into the past and surveys the present to tell the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia. These distinctive folk dances, Jamison argues, are not the unaltered jigs and reels brought by early British settlers, but hybrids that developed over time by adopting and incorporating elements from other popular forms. He traces the forms from their European, African American, and Native American roots to the modern day. On the way he explores the powerful influence of black culture, showing how practices such as calling dances as well as specific kinds of steps combined with white European forms to create distinctly "American" dances. From cakewalks to clogging, and from the Shoo-fly Swing to the Virginia Reel, Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics reinterprets an essential aspect of Appalachian culture.
Series: Music in American Life
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: University of Illinois Press; 1st Edition edition (June 29, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0252080815
ISBN-13: 978-0252080814
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,045,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #66 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Folk #104 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Dance #408 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Ethnic & International > Ethnomusicology
This is a meticulously researched, thoughtfully argued, and beautifully written survey of southern Appalachian dance practices. From a vast body of primary source material -- including interviews and rare archival materials -- Jamison complicates the common perception of the region's expressive practices as products of "poor mountain whites," carefully pointing out the moments and processes by which mountain dance developed from the hybridization of handed-down British traditions and influences from Native American, African/African-American, and Continental dance forms. Ultimately, "Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics" provides a rich picture of the vibrant diversity of Appalachian dance, situated within the social and industrial history of the region, and highlights not only its crooked history but also its potential for impact on current and future generations.I am especially impressed by the way Jamison has balanced his extensive and deep personal experience and passion for the subject with objective, thorough critique -- he's not simply cheerleading for square-dancing or flatfooting -- and by the writing style, which is both unimpeachably erudite AND thoroughly approachable. I'd highly recommend this book to scholars, teachers, and enthusiasts of Appalachian and American history and culture, dance (of all types), music (ditto), and anyone interested in broadening their perspective on the ways and means by which folk traditions are defined and transmitted.
This is a wonderful book, although of interest mainly to people who are already interested in this subject. It's not likely to ignite an explosion of popularity of a superb form of community recreation that was, I think, killed off by Television, which destroyed community, replacing it with individuals staring at professionally produced garbage, instead of people having great fun with their neighbors.If you are involved in this movement (forgive the pun) or curious about it, Jamison's book is an important part of an ongoing revolution in understanding the history and variety of these dances. I am one of those who believe that understanding the history of things increases one's enjoyment of them. I doubt that Phil had me in mind when he wrote this book, but he might as well have!I would rather that he had included information about Northern Appalachian dances and dance music, but that would be a different book and take another 30 years to research. I'm happy with what he has done.
Since Jamison has a unique perspective on the material (he's a musician, clogger and square dance caller in addition to his teaching career), I sensed a sincere effort by the author to carefully convey the history and significance of traditional American dance styles.This is as thorough a study on the topic as one could possibly hope to find.Highly recommended.
This book is the first of its kind. It is a detailed history of dance in the Appalachian region. Jamison has spent his adult life in the area, and has learned dance and banjo from local people who love to tell family stories and show others the art of playing Old Time music and dancing to the hundreds of tunes that originated in the mountains. He explains to the reader the history of these dance forms in a conversational way that keeps the reader interested.
A well put together history on Appalachian dance styles. Very thorough and a pleasure to read.
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