Abstract

Oliver and Risner’s collection of ‘evidence-based’ approaches to dance and gender aims to help the
dance community to ‘understand the status quo regarding gender in the dance world’ (p. 19). The
range of contributors and covered subjects work well in creating an accessible, thought provoking and
important work. The book’s overall aim is to ‘show how notions of gender operate within the dance
world in the early twenty-first century’, based ‘on empirical research’ providing ‘concrete evidence’
(p. 3). As this book builds further on an existing body of research, there is a very helpful literature
review included in the introduction. There is a strong advantage here, then, for those less informed
on the discussion surrounding gender and dance to absorb a thorough overview – allowing them to
read on with some grasp of the appropriate language and history. It of course also serves as a useful
reminder for those returning to the subject, making this a good introductory text.