Includes bibliographical references (p. [221]-246) and index.
"In American Pageantry: A Movement for Art and Democracy, author Naima Prevots presents a delightful and important study of this overlooked interdisciplinary movement of the first quarter of the twentieth century. During this time of dynamic upheaval - an era marked by progressivism, social reform, and growing self-awareness of American potential in the performing arts - the pageantry movement was forged and truly mirrored its age. Bringing together educators, social workers, political reformers, and pioneers in music, theatre and dance , the movement served as a vehicle for both social and artistic innovation. Prevots pays special attention to the enormous impact pageants had on the development of American art forms - providing an impetus for new means of expression, championing American themes, regional cultivation of audiences, and training for young talent. Richly illustrated, with rare period photos and augmented by helpful appendixes of pageant chronologies and lists of primary resources, American Pageantry provides an informative and highly entertaining perspective on a significant chapter in our collective past." -- Book Jacket