- St. Olaf Libraries
- Research Guides
- Dance 246: Dance in the United States
- Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Dance 246: Dance in the United States
LibKey Nomad
Research and Instruction Librarian for Music & Fine Arts
Karen Olson
she/her/hers
Why Use Reference Sources?
Dictionaries and encyclopedias are great for starting your research. They provide authoritative definitions of terms, biographies of influential people, and histories of styles and genres. They will help you learn the specific language surrounding a topic, so that you can develop better search terms to use in Catalyst or the research databases. Many will also include bibliographies listing other sources you might want to consult.
Dance & Music
Online
The Garland Encyclopedia of World MusicEach volume covers a different portion of the globe.
International Encyclopedia of Dance by An essential starting point for your research!
The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Covers topics such as ragtime, zydeco, folk music festivals, minstrelsy, rockabilly, white and black gospel traditions, and southern rock. Includes sections on dance and dancers.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and MusiciansDetails on composers, musicians, and musical styles. Best for Western art music.
Encyclopedia of Native American Music of North America by Call Number: Music Library ML102.N37 K45 2013Documents the surprisingly varied musical practices among North America's First Peoples, both historically and in the modern context. Showcases how musicians with First Peoples' heritage are influencing modern musical forms including native flute, orchestral string playing, gospel, and hip hop.
Film Choreographers and Dance Directors by Call Number: Rolvaag Reference GV1779 .B55 1997Includes biographical material for 970 choreographers who worked in nearly 3,500 films.
International Dictionary of Ballet by Call Number: Rolvaag Ref: GV 1585.I57 1993Includes entries on individual artists, ballets, and ballet companies.
International Dictionary of Modern Dance by Call Number: Rolvaag Ref: GV 1585.B46All aspects of modern dance, including biographical entries and major movements and styles.
The Queer Encyclopedia of Music, Dance, and Musical Theater by Call Number: Music ML100 .Q44 2004Showcases composers, singers, musicians, dancers, and choreographers across eras and styles.
General Culture & History
Online
Asian American History and Culture by Call Number: Rolvaag Reference E184.A75 A8287 2010ISBN: 9780765680778Publication Date: 2010-02-15
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United StatesBiographical articles on Latinx cultural figures in the US.
St. James Encyclopedia of Hip Hop CultureExamines he history and contributions of hip hop to American and global culture.
Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History by Call Number: Rolvaag Ref: E185.E54 1995ISBN: 0028658167Publication Date: 2005-12-16Provides biographical as well as more general topical articles.
The Greenwood Guide to American Popular Culture by Call Number: Rolvaag Ref: E184.S75 O97 2005 (4v)ISBN: 0313308780Publication Date: 2002-11-30Good overview articles with substantive bibliographies.
