Ehrenreich, Barbara. Dancing in the streets; a history of collective joy.

EHRENREICH, Barbara. Dancing in the streets; a history of collective joy. Read by Pam Ward. 8 cds. 9.5 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2006/2007. 0-7861-6240-6. $90.00. Vinyl; content, author notes. SA

In this lengthy study of the way we dance, Ehrenreich approaches the urge to dance in chronological order, starting with what we know of the dances of Paleolithic societies as seen in their cave drawings, to Biblical stories of frenetic dances, the Greek use of dance, and so on. She also looks at the disapproval that dancing was subject to by religions and social hierarchies. Dancing has often been seen as a sign of class and is often part of "hooliganism" or paganism and group celebrations bringing everyone together in revelry, like the carnival in Rio or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It may be viewed as wild, but as the author points out, when studied, there seems to be organization to it. She concludes her book with a look at the '60s hippie culture and dance and a study of sports and dance, looking at phenomena like "the wave" and the inclusion of rock music in sporting events. This book is remarkably well researched and detailed, and Ward reads it like a college professor in a clear, well-modulated voice. Anyone interested in dance will be fascinated by the examples and stories. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.