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Reference materials for dance include dictionaries, encyclopedias, biographies, bibliographies, indexes, and electronic resources. The list below contains a small sample of dance reference resources in the Performing Arts Reading Room.
The Music Division Reference Specialists are available to answer questions about dance materials in person, on the phone, or virtually. Ask a Librarian, register for a free Reader Identification Card, and come on in to browse.
The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.
International Dictionary of Modern Dance by 
The Oxford Dictionary of Dance by 
International Dictionary of Ballet by 
International Encyclopedia of Dance by 
The Encyclopedia of World Ballet by 
The Language of Movement by 
Choreography and the Specific Image by 
Dance Leadership by 
The Black Dancing Body by 
Caribbean Dance from Abakuá to Zouk by 
Dance and Instrumental Diferencias in Spain During the 17th and 18th Centuries by 
American Indian Ballerinas by 
Jerome Robbins by 
The Art of Ballets Russes by The Library of Congress subscribes to databases and electronic journals. Most resources are only available to on-site users in Washington, DC. Browse these selected lists of databases, online periodicals, and e-books:
Always check the Music Division's Performing Arts Blog In the Muse. There are categories for dance, women in dance, musical theater, and many other areas of interest.
