How did the distinct traditions of ballet and modern dance evolve and integrate within the American cultural landscape during the mid-twentieth century? Walter Terry, a prominent dance critic and historian, utilizes his extensive background in performance analysis to document the development of dance in the United States. The text provides a structured historical overview, examining the transition from imported European classical forms to the emergence of uniquely American modern dance movements. By synthesizing critical observation with historical context, Terry establishes a framework for understanding the aesthetic shifts that defined the era.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational historical document for mid-century American dance criticism. Readers frequently note the accessible prose style which balances technical observation with historical narrative for both scholars and enthusiasts.