Although originally published in 1965, this edition of The Dance in Theory was republished in 1989 as the same text with a new introduction by Jack Anderson. The Dance in Theory reprints the first third of John Martin's seminal 1939 book, Introduction to the Dance. It presents Martin's analysis of the theoretical underpinnings of modern dance, including a discussion of the nature of movement, form and composition, and the basis of style.
In clear and simple terms, Martin helps us to understand how dances are made and gives us knowledge to view the dance with the intelligence and open perspective it deserves. The content of The Dance in Theory is divided into three sections: The Nature of Movement; Form and Composition; The Basis of Style.