- Existing works are smaller trade titles of a general nature and are of little value to students, scholars and artists interested in authoritative biographical, bibliographical and musicological information on modern dance.

Modern Dance follows the format of other St. James Press volumes on performing arts. In a single, easy-to-use volume, it offers alphabetically arranged essays selected, written and reviewed by subject expert contributors and members of our advisory board, representing librarians, scholars and critics. The work presents 425 signed entries that focus on artists, works, companies, periods, performances and schools of modern dance from its origins in the late 19th century to the present day. In addition Modern Dance includes the following, value-added features:

Overview Essay: Focuses on the beginnings and evolution of modern dance, and discusses modern dance in relation to other modern art forms
Timeline: Highlights key events in the history of modern dance
Illustrations: More than 200 photographs augment the text
General bibliography: Lists key print, video and electronic sources without duplicating citations found at the end of entries
Indexes: Opening access and broadening comparative research, indexes allow users to isolate nationalities, professions, institution type, works, companies and illustrations
Notes on advisers and contributors: Brief notes on professional affiliations and credentials of the scholars who have contributed to the work

Because of its unique coverage, scholarly presentation, currency and comprehensiveness, International Dictionary of Modern Dance will serve the information needs of students in dance and theater programs, librarians fielding ready reference inquiries and practitioners of modern dance who want to learn more about this evolving art form.