With a focus on dance innovation from the late 19th century to the present, this history provides dance students with accessible information on the major contributors to the art. Organized chronologically by the decades in which innovators were born or dance organizations were founded, the study shows the similarities and generational character that arise from shared influence. Rather than illustrations or photographs, this modern guide offers links to YouTube videos and other internet references to view examples of the work discussed. The scope is international, with coverage of German, Swedish, Belgian, Dutch, Taiwanese, Russian, Finnish, and Spanish pioneers of the avant-garde to illustrate that dance is a global language that continues to break boundaries and explore new ideas. Just a few of the 120 artists and performers featured include Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, George Balanchine, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Jose Limon, Katherine Dunham, Chunky Move, and Trey McIntyre.

Marc Raymond Strauss is a professor of dance at Southeast Missouri State University. He received an MFA in dance education and choreography from Smith College and a PhD in dance and related arts from Texas Woman's University. He lives in Jackson, Missouri. Myron Howard Nadel is a professor of dance and an associate dean for the arts at the University of Texas–El Paso. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School and Columbia Teachers College. He was the founding chair of the dance department at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He lives in El Paso, Texas.