'A circle whose centre is the devil himself, and whose participants are dancing towardseternal death.' Thus did a medieval Danishpriest describe the Ring Dance, and readersof Hans Andersen will recognise this priestlypuritanism in the tale of the Red Shoes. A17th century Bishop of Funen, however, hadmore liberal views. Having married his twosons at a double wedding, he 'saw no harmin himself dancing a turn with each of thebrides'. The natural light-heartedness of theDane is never long suppressed, and todaythere is a rich and living tradition of folkdance, costume and music.Mr. Jeppessen was the chairman of theDanish Association for the Encouragementof Folk Dancing, and Mr. Lorenzen was awell-known folklorist who modestly describeshis wide researches as 'a hobby'. As in theother books of the series, they have chosenfour dances for more detailed description, and the book is illustrated with four costumeplates in full colour.