October 6, 2000

IMMEDIATE

New Book Recounts History of Dance at Middlebury College

MIDDLEBURY, Vt.-A new book, “From Constraint to Celebration: 200 Years of Middlebury Dancing,” commissioned by Middlebury College in celebration of its Bicentennial, examines 200 years of life at Middlebury through the lens of dance. The author, Andrew Mark Wentink, is a former archivist at the Dance Collection of the Library of Performing Arts in New York, and has been a guest professor and lecturer at Middlebury College for many years.

“From Constraint to Celebration” offers a comprehensive examination of dance in the Middlebury community. Moral codes, social status, and political positions are deeply entwined in a community’s attitudes towards its dancing, both social and theatrical. Wentink spent two years compiling first-hand accounts, correspondence, records, publications, and illustrations from the archives of the Sheldon Museum and the College. He also spoke with alumni, faculty, and students, gathering information that resulted in a uniquely personal look at the local evolution of movement.

As an archivist at the Dance Collection of the Library of Performing Arts in New York, Wentink organized, cataloged, and wrote guides for over 30 historical manuscript collections. A member of the Middlebury College class of 1970, he is also an editor, researcher, and filmmaker.

“Andrew’s love for and intimate knowledge of dance made him the perfect candidate for writing this history,” said Penny Campbell, chair of the Middlebury College dance department.

“From Constraint to Celebration” is available for sale for $12 at the Middlebury College Store. To place an order, call the College Store at (802)-443-3036.

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