1. Locate background information.
- use encyclopedia articles to find keywords (terminology, words for narrowing topic, important scholars) and citations to other materials.
2. Develop and narrow your topic; form an issue or research question.
3. Find research materials you may use in your paper.
- books, journal articles
4. Evaluate and select materials that you will use in your paper.
5. Write draft, cite sources, and write final paper.
- use an approved citation format, and consult style manuals as needed.
- begin writing early.
You may choose a topic with a specific style of dance in mind, such as ballet or ballroom; a specific technique, such as en pointe in ballet, or gancho in tango; a specific person, such as Christopher d'Amboise or Twyla Tharp; a specific place (city, state, country); or a specific time period.
Combining techniques and styles with a particular place or period of time is an effective way to develop a more complex research question. (Example: What are some differences between the way the tango is danced in Argentina, where it developed, and here in the United States?)
You might also want to look at an aspect of health, culture or education and make connections to dance. (Example: How does motherhood impact the career of ballet dancers?)
Examples of styles and techniques: (See more extensive list here.)
Examples of forms and genres: (See another list here.)
Examples of periods and styles:
If you are interested in researching historical dances from primary sources, Professor Richard Powers of Stanford University offers helpful suggestions here.
Music & Dance Help Desk
4432 HBLL - Level 4
Music & Dance Web Page
Hours: M-Th: 8am-9pm;
F: 8am-6pm; Sat:10am-6pm
Phone: 
(801) 422-1725
E-mail: music_reference@byu.edu
