Essentially a history of Greek, Roman, and early religious dance, and French court dance, the text is drawn from numerous writers, including Mme. Elise Voiart, Joseph Juste Scaliger, Claude François Ménestrier, Louis de Cahusac, Diderot, and Jean-Georges Noverre. The first part of this book comprises seven letters written by Baron during 1821 and 1822. The second part takes the form of conversations with Sophie and, occasionally, two more participants named Heraclite and Démocrite.