Dance a While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance (8th Edition) [Spiral-bound]

Jane A. Harris (Author), Anne M. Pittman (Author), Marlys S. Waller (Author), Cathy L. Dark (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205279368 | ISBN-13: 978-0205279364 | Publication Date: December 21, 1999 | Edition: 8

This is the basic book for recreational dance. It is the eighth edition of the best-selling introduction to dance, one whose unique combination of dance instruction, descriptions of major forms of dance, and directions for over 260 individual dances provides future dance instructors with the background needed to be successful teachers. The cultural background of dance for each country is presented along with specific suggestions for developing style. It reflects the most recent trends in dance, and includes a wealth of suggestions for dance resource materials. The methods teacher has an all-inclusive textbook for students, the teacher in training has a reference book that will last a lifetime. Coverage includes the Rumba, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing, Hustle, Tango, Salsa, and Country-Western dances. Detailed illustrations and diagrams clarify techniques throughout, making learning each dance as easy as 1-2-3. For beginning and experienced teachers of dance, or for the dance enthusiast.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This is the basic book for recreational dance. It is the eighth edition of the best-selling introduction to dance, one whose unique combination of dance instruction, descriptions of major forms of dance, and directions for over 260 individual dances provides future dance instructors with the background needed to be successful teachers. The cultural background of dance for each country is presented along with specific suggestions for developing style. It reflects the most recent trends in dance, and includes a wealth of suggestions for dance resource materials. The methods teacher has an all-inclusive textbook for students, the teacher in training has a reference book that will last a lifetime. Coverage includes the Rumba, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing, Hustle, Tango, Salsa, and Country-Western dances. Detailed illustrations and diagrams clarify techniques throughout, making learning each dance as easy as 1-2-3.

For beginning and experienced teachers of dance, or for the dance enthusiast.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 538 pages
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings; 8 edition (December 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205279368
• ISBN-13: 978-0205279364
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for dance teachers, February 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dance a While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance (Paperback)

This is the best book I used for learning how to teach dancing. It contains a good selection of simple dances which are suitable for novice dancers, and provides detailed dance descriptions and good advice for the teacher. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with music, so you have to track down a suitable recording for each dance. I have used this book for teaching recreational folk dance groups and school classes, and find it to be an excellent resource.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource book for physical educaion teachers, March 19, 2000

By 

Isobel Kleinman (New York City, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dance a While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance (8th Edition) (Spiral-bound)

If you want to teach your class something about partner, folk, social, contra, and ballroom dance, it is here. This book covers everything from A to Z. It even gives you a glossary just in case you did not know some of those square dance calls. And, its many indexes and other additions at the back of the book are fabulous to help you plan and find all kind of relevant material. I wonder what happened to Ms. Pitman and Ms. Walker, co-authors of earlier editons. Yes, I have used Dance A While for years. It was recommended to me in college during the 60's. I lost it and am so happy to see it is still in print. Because, what ever other books I looked at when I needed information never came close to providing what I needed to find out. Thank you Jane Harris for updating and improving a great book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for those who work with children, February 11, 2011

By 

Davina Hunter "dancing bookworm" (Bay Area CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dance a While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance (Paperback)

Here is a comprehensive collection of regional, folk and social dances. This text is a valuable addition to any teacher's library and should be shelved in all community and school libraries. The step patterns, educational hints, music suggestions, costume, history, pictures and sequences are invaluable for the dance enthusiast as well. In this book you will enjoy the much needed, working encyclopedia/manual to help you and your community quickly get moving and learning the many diverse, traditional dances done by and for real people.

The ballroom sections in this manual are VERY limited in scope. The serious student/teacher of ballroom/latin dance should explore additional resources. See my list, other reviews, or your local library for some suggestions.