Customer Reviews

Dance a While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance (8th Edition)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book has it all, from dance steps to instructions on how to successfully teach social dance. It has been a huge help and resource to me as I prepare my teaching curriculum for the year.

I think the book was described perfectly the way it came...fast shipping and no hassles with the seller...GOOD

I purchased this book before the semester started and found out it wasn't actually required for the course. However, since I purchased it for $16.99, I could not bring myself to return it. The packaging left a little to be desired and it was a bit banged up, but it's full of great information.