Summary: | In the 21st century, classical ballet is no longer the sole dance stimulus for today's audiences. Dance lovers are bombarded with dance on television, in film, through social media and on the urban street corners. A fluid fusion of ballet to Bollywood to B-Girls represents how dance is consumed today. How does this affect the study of dance? Since the 1930's, with the emergence of modern choreographers and consequently new teaching styles, there is a continuing debate on the advantages and disadvantages of classical ballet training for non-classical dancers. Much vocational dance education delivers dancers for contemporary and or commercial dance enterprises. Is ballet still relevant as a foundation technique? Is it crucial for those who aspire to a more diverse and varied professional dance career? If so, why and how? A collection of dance professionals, scientists, academics and photographers will illuminate several topics offering in-depth articles for reflection and debate. Broad themes of historical, sociological, psychological and philosophical viewpoints will interlace with pedagogical, educational and artistic perspectives.
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