Eyewitness: Dance [Hardcover]

Michael Tambini (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: DK Eyewitness Books

Discover the many kinds of dance around the world -- from the magic of ballet to the drama of flamenco.

Here is an original and exciting new guide to the magic and beauty of dance around the world. Step-by-step sequences and glorious full-color photographs offer a unique "eyewitness" view of dance traditions -- including the magical performances, stunning costumes and extraordinary talent of dancers. See a ballet costume designed by Picasso, dancers who balance on stilts, and headdresses studded with gemstones. Learn why male dancers sometimes dress as women, the stories of the great classical ballets, and why the tango was banned. Discover why Javanese dancers "flow like water", dance crazes from the last 100 years, the dervishes who whirl around in worship, and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times

These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal

From the Inside Flap

From the American Indian sun dance to the Zulu marriage dance, from the ballets of Ballanchine to the disco craze--dance is a part of almost every culture of the world. As ritual, as celebration, and as art, dance is both exotic and traditional, primitive and modern. This stunning exploration of this most visual of art forms is brimming over with richly detailed sets and costumes and photos of memorable performers and their techniques. A 75th Eyewitness volume with truly universal appeal.   --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; 1st edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789458764
• ISBN-13: 978-0789458766
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,180,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic and Beauty, June 5, 2002

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eyewitness: Dance (Hardcover)

In ancient Greece, dance was seen as a gift. Dance is simply a series of movements performed in patterns and set to music. Every human society has some form of dance. It is a way to pass on history, exercise and express yourself in a way words can't.

In this colorful guide, the magic and beauty of dance is shown in step-by-step sequences and full-color photographs. The costumes are spectacular and children can see the costumes, learn the stories of the great classical ballets and discover why Javanese dancers "flow like water."

Dances include:

Ballet
Tonga - poetry interpreted in dance in the Pacific Island of Tonga
Flamenco - Spanish
Ghost Dance - Native American
Morris Dance - England
Gharata Natya - Classic Indian Dance (if you enjoy this - watch Lagaan)
Orissi, Eastern India - originally performed by temple dancers
Georgian Ballet - the costumes are amazing!
Modern Ballet
Ballroom Dancing
and many more...

There is a section on footwear and they show how a ballet shoe is made. They explain the process of creating costumes all the way from the drawings to the finished product. Makeup and set design is briefly discussed.

A section on famous dancers and choreography shows what it takes. Finally, they discuss dance crazes through time.

A trip around the world in dance!

~The Rebecca Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eyewitness Dance, April 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Eyewitness Dance (Library Binding)

This book is excellent for the education of all types of dance. The pictures are colorful, the information is accurate, and it keeps the readers attention. It covers a variety of dances, and goes into detail about costumes and shoes. It is a good book for those interested in the art of dance, and dances from around the world.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book about dancing, January 29, 2001

By 

yarden "yarden" (portland, or) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eyewitness: Dance (Hardcover)

DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful photos of all things related to dancing, accompanied by informative captions and text.

Learn about many different styles of dance, costumes and shows, performers, and many other dance-related topics (all augmented by beautiful museum-quality photos).

If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated dancing, then you must introduce them to this book! It's a great lesson about dancing, and a beautiful book.