Dancing: The Indispensable Reference [Paperback]

Ellen Jacob (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998 | ISBN-10: 0937180106 | ISBN-13: 978-0937180105 | Edition: 2 Upd Sub

An encyclopedia of information in an entertaining package, DANCING has been the leading practical reference on the subject since its first edition in 1982. The thought-provoking text embraces virtually every aspect, including: Finding the best teachers; Making your body and age work for you; Developing an individual style (what makes you unique and interesting); Dancing as a career, for fun and fitness, for children, for men; Choosing a dance form: quick tours of ballet, modern, jazz, and tap; Getting the most from classes, assessing your progress; Evaluating college dance programs; Preventing and treating injuries; Launching a career, coming to New York; Proper nutrition and gear.

THERE'S MUCH MORE. backstage interviews with professionals, a comprehensive directory of national dance resources, 180 photos that illuminate and inspire.

BE YOUR BEST. Deep inside this book's generous 352 pages is something even more valuable: an array of tools for discovering your unique gifts and the rich rewards of doing the best with what you've got. DANCING is a solid guide for serious dancers and an exuberant invitation for those beguiled yet intimidated by the idea of dancing.

WELCOME SKATERS, GYMNASTS, FITNESS AND BALLROOM DANCERS. As artistic expression and polished form become increasingly important elements for these athletes, we find a growing readership among them.

USES: REFERENCE home, school, library; adopted as introductory TEXTBOOK by numerous college dance and theater depts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It can function as a reference book, but I've read it twice from cover to cover: Jacob's encyclopedic sense of what is interesting and useful keeps me turning pages....Lots of wonderful photographs." -- Dance Magazine

About the Author

Ellen Jacob left her job as a writer to do what she always wanted -- dance. As a professional dancer she performed extensively and taught throughout the U.S. under the National Endowment for the Arts Dance Touring Program. In addition to DANCING, Ms. Jacob has authored the acclaimed DANCE IN NEW YORK, an illustrated guide to the world's dance capital; also the Learn-by-Coloring series: THE NUTCRACKER, STARS OF THE BALLET, GREAT SKATERS, THE STORY OF GYMNASTICS.

In the early 1980s Ms. Jacob introduced one of the first widely seen reconstructions of Swing Dance featuring one of its inventors, the late Al Minns. The event was covered by New York's major television news networks.

Since moving to Connecticut with her family Ms. Jacob has developed a system of choreographing and teaching that utilizes individual style and an expanded movement vocabulary which can adapt to any age group or motion set -- children, trained dancers, actors, or athletes (MOTION tm). She looks forward to extending the reach of DANCING to skating, gymnastics, and theater.

INQUIRIES FOR MOTION [e-mail]

Product Details

• Paperback: 349 pages
• Publisher: Variety Arts; 2 Upd Sub edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0937180106
• ISBN-13: 978-0937180105
• Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #760,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great overview of dancing for amateur, February 10, 2010

By 

Blyvan "Blyvan" (Reno, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing: The Indispensable Reference (Paperback)

I am an amateur ballroom dancer and have taken some ballet and tap. This book gives an excellent history and overview of ballet, tap, modern, and jazz. It also gives good advice on how to approach dance classes and what to look for in a teacher. It is an excellent guide to dancing.

There is also professional dancer advice and information, but I don't understand that realm and will neglect to comment on that material.