The Director - compilation facsimile of 1898 volume

"The Director, issued December 1897 through November 1898, is believed to be the first magazine devoted to dance published in America." Its editor, Melvin Ballou Gilbert was an American dance master and instructor. In an advertisement for his school in 1897, Gilbert stated its purpose was 'for instruction in the Art of Dancing and Methods of teaching the same, embracing Society Dancing and Etiquette, Stage and Exhibition Dancing, New Ball Room Dances, New German Figures and Novelties in Stage and Exhibition work.'. He also devised a course of esthetic calesthenics which 'consists of systematically arranged exercises in the elementary principles of the Art of Dancing, coupled with a harmonized method of arm, head and body movements, all of which are valuable developing exercises..." This compilation reprints the first 10 issues of The Director. The Director: Dancing, Deportment, Etiquette, Aesthetics, Physical Training. - Melvin Ballou Gilbert, ed. Volume I, Number 1-10, December 18970November 1898. This facsimile edition published by Dance Horizons, Brooklyn, NY. Hardcover. Approx. 8x11in. 306pp. In generally good condition. Some minor damage along top of inside front endpaper.