dance and performance. The opening of the book begins with Wayburn addressing the reader with an enthusiastic greeting, emphasizing his intent to share insights into the world of stage dancing. He expresses gratitude towards students, teachers, and the audience alike, highlighting the significance of dance in bringing joy and beauty to life. Wayburn then humbly admits his inexperience as an author but reassures readers of the genuine passion and knowledge he shares about the art form. He outlines the various topics that will be covered, beginning with a historical overview of dance, emphasizing the evolution from primitive movements to modern stage performances, and setting the stage for a deeper exploration of techniques and training methods in the chapters to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)