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In "Broadway Bodies: A Critical History of Conformity," Ryan Donovan explores the discriminatory casting practices in Broadway musicals. The book examines how the casting process perpetuates the ideal body in terms of size, sexuality, and ability. Donovan uses disability studies, Deaf studies, fat studies, and LGBTQ+ studies to analyze the intersectional issues embedded in Broadway body politics. The book highlights the scarcity of performance opportunities for non-normative bodies and the limitations of casting directors who prioritize economic and artistic pressures. It also discusses the historical overview and case studies related to size, sexuality, and disability in Broadway musicals. The author argues for more inclusive casting that goes beyond race and gender, advocating for a broader acceptance of diverse body types, sexualities, and abilities in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

"Moving Through Conflict: Dance and Politics in Israel" is a book that explores the intersection of dance and politics in Israel and Palestine. The anthology includes translations of articles from Hebrew to English and highlights the ongoing violence between the two regions. It examines the political significance of dance, even if the artists themselves deny it, and includes Palestinian dances and the work of Arab Israeli and Palestinian artists. The book is divided into two parts, focusing on community relations and representational relations, and acknowledges the lack of recognition and research on Palestinian and Arab dance. The editors and authors provide a valuable analysis of the politics embedded in dance in the region and call for more diverse voices to be included in the discussion. [Extracted from the article]

"Friction, Fusion, and Fire: Heat and Alterity in Contemporary Dance: South-South Choreographies" by Ananya Chatterjea is a book that explores the intersection of contemporary dance and cultural diversity. Chatterjea, a renowned dance artist and scholar, examines the experiences and artistic desires of Global South artists, challenging the dominant Western ideologies that define contemporary dance. The book delves into topics such as experimentation, innovation, and the rift between conceptual dance and more traditional forms. Chatterjea analyzes the work of specific artists, highlighting their unique voices and contributions to the dance world. Overall, the book calls for a reevaluation of colonial structures and a recognition of the diverse perspectives and practices within the global dance community. [Extracted from the article]

"Dancing Indigenous Worlds: Choreographies of Relation" by Jacqueline Shea Murphy is a comprehensive exploration of contemporary Indigenous dance. The book emphasizes the importance of relationality in Indigenous dance works and challenges Westernized approaches to scholarship. Shea Murphy, a settler scholar, aims to conduct ethical, community-based research that is generative rather than exploitative. The book includes personal narratives, conversations with Indigenous choreographers, and place-based experiential learning practices. It offers valuable insights into Indigenous dance practices and invites readers to consider their own relationships to the performances they witness. [Extracted from the article]

"Times of Change: Artistic Perspectives and Cultural Crossings in Nineteenth-Century Dance" is a book that explores the intersection of art, culture, and migration in nineteenth-century ballet. The book, which resulted from an international conference held in Salzburg, Austria, brings together renowned scholars who provide new insights and perspectives through deep primary-source investigations. Divided into four sections, the book covers topics such as the histories of dance families, evolving conceptions of ballet, the role of technology in ballet's transnational scope, and the construction of national dances. The volume offers a wealth of information and is a valuable resource for scholars interested in nineteenth-century European ballet. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses McKenzie Wark's book, "Raving," which explores the significance of dance and rave culture for queer and trans individuals. Wark's narrative highlights the enduring nature of ephemeral spaces and the transformative power of dance. The book emphasizes the importance of raves as a respite from normative and violent societal norms, offering a chance to contest boundaries and be in the body differently. While not a dance analysis or history, "Raving" expertly portrays the body as a complex vehicle for ethical relations and becoming. The article praises the book's self-awareness and its ability to serve as a model for a critical and philosophical study of performance communities. [Extracted from the article]

A freelance journalist's latest assignment threatens to give new meaning to the word deadline when he comes upon a murder mystery with century-old roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]