World Dance Cultures

From the award-winning biographer of Elvis Presley, a groundbreaking dual portrait of the relationship between the iconic artist and his legendary manager—drawing on a wealth of the Colonel's never-before-seen correspondence to reveal that this oft-reviled figure was in fact a confidant...

Coffee has started revolutions, fueled wars, inspired smugglers, terrified rulers, powered armies, created fortunes, destroyed sleep schedules, and convinced otherwise reasonable people to spend fifteen minutes preparing one cup before sunrise. STRANGE BUT TRUE: THE WEIRD HISTORY OF COFFEE follows the world’s favorite caffeine delivery system from legendary dancing goats in Ethiopia to the coffeehouses of the Ottoman Empire, Europe’s suspicious first encounters with the “devil’s drink,” colonial plantations, cowboy campfires, wartime instant coffee, espresso machines, decaf ...

Illinois has been making the world’s soundtrack for generations. It deserves more credit—and a louder stereo. The Little Book of Big Illinois Music takes you through the artists, records, venues, and communities that helped turn one Midwestern state into a musical force. This 2026 update revisits that history with fresh perspective, connecting familiar names with the local scenes that made their music possible. Start with Chicago blues: music that traveled north, plugged in, and helped change the sound of rock ’n’ roll. Follow gospel into soul and R&B, jazz into new experiments, and...

調和 Chōwa: Japan's Dance with Tradition and Innovation - Ancient Wisdom for Our Technological Future 🏮 Discover the Secret Balance That Powers the World's Most Fascinating Culture 🤖 What if the answer to our modern dilemma—how to embrace the future without losing our soul—has existed for centuries in Japan? In a Tokyo kindergarten, children bow to a robot before programming it. At Japan's most sacred shrine, priests completely rebuild the entire structure every twenty years—a tradition unchanged since 690 CE. A family sweet shop founded before Columbus discovered America ...

The must-read memoir from the visionary figure behind Manchester's legendary music scene, from The Haçienda to The Warehouse Project. Tales From the Dance Floor is an electrifying journey into the heart of Manchester’s music culture with its most influential promoter. Over the past three...

An initiate’s inside account of ancient Maya spiritual practices alive today Includes a Foreword by José Luis Tigüilá NABÉ kaxbaltzij, spokesperson of the Maya municipality Details the initiation process the author went through to become a Maya shaman-priestess, including rituals...

Join curious Imani, enthusiastic Tommy, and knowledgeable Maya on their most heartwarming adventure yet! In this delightful addition to the beloved "What Shall We Do Today?" series, three best friends discover the magic of celebrating World Wish Day, International Dance Day, and National Shrimp Scampi Day—all happening on April 29th! Perfect for ages 6-9, this enchanting story: Takes young readers on a cultural journey through different dance traditions from around the world Teaches the importance of compassion and making wishes for others through the Make-A-Wish Foundation's World Wish ...

This is a story of a little girl who is motivated by her dreams to enter a dancing competition in her village. African dance uses improvisation and the entire body. Some dancers learn their moves from former dancers, who became famous by participating in dance during various rituals, celebrations, or festivities.