September 1, 1999
Prevots (dance, American Univ.) has mined many previously unexamined resources in her study of the relationship between government and the arts during the 1950s. In order to strengthen strained relations with Cold War enemies, President Eisenhower initiated a program of cultural exchange. Prevots emphasizes the dance programs that were exported and reconstructs a history that takes the reader behind the scenes to congressional hearings and Dance Panel committee meetings. Her study reveals the selection and funding processes in this country and the reception and difficulties facing by touring companies like Martha Graham and the New York City Ballet when abroad. Since the success of Eisenhower's program eventually led to the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts, this volume is interesting reading in this time of severe cutbacks. The subject and academic tone, however, insure that the largest audience will be found among dance scholars and historians.--Joan Stahl, National Museum of American Art, Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.