Choreography-2nd Edition [Paperback]

Sandra Minton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0880115297 | ISBN-13: 978-0880115292 | Publication Date: January 1997 | Edition: 2

Whatever your dance background or choreographic interest, this book shows you how to solve common choreography problems, design and shape movements into a dance, organize a dance concert, and observe a finished dance. The book features 63 movement exploration exercises and takes you from dance making to preparing for a performance. More than 56 photographs highlight and clarify important concepts. This second edition also includes these helpful features that will guide you through the entire choreographic process: movement exploration and improvisation exercises; ideas for organizing rehearsal schedules; suggestions for blocking, costuming, and lighting; sources for music and equipment; tips for selecting accompaniment; additional information on choreography and dance production; and forms and checklists. Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation also addresses three of the seven National Dance Content Standards: understanding choreographic principles, creating and communicating meaning, and using critical and creative thinking skills. You'll develop your skills in these areas and learn how to put the standards into practice.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Solve common problems in choreography, design and shape movements into a dance, and organize a concert with Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation.

Each chapter offers movement exploration exercises, review and reflection questions, and application challenges to help you understand the choreographic process from concept to stage performance. This updated edition also includes examples of how today's multimedia technology can be used to enhance choreography with special lighting effects, slide and PowerPoint projections, virtual dance performances, video conferencing, and motion capture.

Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation will help you to

• use improvisation and explore movements representative of an idea, concept, or dance style;
• vary movements based on the understanding of space, time, energy, and shape;
• integrate choreographic form and structure to shape a dance for meaning or intent; and
• plan a dance performance, from auditions and rehearsals to technical support and final production

Whether you are a dancer, choreographer, or instructor, Choreography: A Basic Approach Using Improvisation is an invaluable resource for enriching your choreographic experiences and creating memorable stage productions. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Sandra Cerny Minton coordinates the dance program at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley. She has taught and choreographed dance for more than 25 years and directed numerous concerts.

Minton has been an active member of both the Colorado Dance Alliance and the National Dance Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, for which she was publications director for two years. She also has devoted her energy to scholarship and to grant writing at UNC.

Minton earned her master’s degree in dance education from the University of California at Los Angeles and earned her PhD in dance and related arts from the Texas Woman’s University. She has written numerous articles, a book chapter, and other books on dance choreography and has presented at conferences across North America.

Minton also enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her husband and friends.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers; 2 edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880115297
• ISBN-13: 978-0880115292
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,876,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for dancers who also want to perform, February 15, 2001

By 

Jet Phoenix (North Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choreography-2nd Edition (Paperback)

I found this book very helpful! This book has photos of stage dos & don'ts, and covers everything from movement exploration, to how lighting and costumes effect the dance. Everything from coming up with the dance, to auditioning other dancers to stage set up, to performance is covered. This is a "hands-on" book, with lots of exercises for the dancer to play with. In the rear of the book is forms and checklists that will help make choreography and booking a lot easier. Well written out, and lots of photos to illistrate the writer's meaning. Since in dance, a picture IS worth a 1,000 words.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So far so good., March 3, 2008

By 

R. Maung - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Choreography-2nd Edition (Paperback)

Just started reading this book. so far so good.Well written and edited and presented. It helps with the creative process. Haven't tried out the excercises to see how they'll work though.