Modern Ballroom Dancing (Paperback)

by Victor Silvester (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

From the Publisher
Long one of the most popular activities in the world, dancing brings pleasure to millions as well as the benefits of physical and mental relaxation, exercise, and social poise. If you haven't had the opportunity to learn, Victor Silvester's best-selling book provides all you need to know. Featuring dazzling photos of some of the world's greatest dancers, this is a definitive handbook, complete with notes, diagrams, and steps for every dance. The four classics—Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Tango—are all covered, as are the standard Latin-American dances—Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha- Cha, Paso Doble—as well as Jive, Rock ' n' Roll, and Disco dancing. Invaluable for beginners, advanced students, and teachers alike, this classic work shows the way to a world of enjoyment that will last a lifetime. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Thomson Press (May 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1409726568
• ISBN-13: 978-1409726562
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,216,881 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very solid and entertaining dance guide--One of the best!, September 30, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Ballroom Dancing (Paperback)

I looked high and low for a ballroom dance book that I could recommend to my fellow ballroom dancers at Harvard. Most of the literature tended to be either too simplistic (for novices) or too boring (ISTD manuals). I especially loved the format of the book and the beautiful photographs of competition dancers. The foot patterns and detailed descriptions are helpful for the non-novice dancer. One big plus of this publication is that the author describes Silver & Gold patterns.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars International-Style Ballrooom Dancing, March 13, 1999

By	Victor I. Poon "vipoon" (Stony Brook, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Ballroom Dancing (Paperback)

This is a pretty good book for anyone who's currently taking lessons in International-style dancing. It goes through all 10 dances used in International Rhythm and Smooth competition. The author presents about 12 or more variations in each dance. There are foot diagrams for about half the variations. He details the footwork (written), contrary body movement, timing, sway and amount of turn. All of the photos are of competitors at a dance event so they're not helpful if you're trying to learn how any figure looks. I don't think it's a book to buy if you're starting to learn how to dance but if you're already taking lessons, it's a good book to reinforce what you're learning. American-style is not covered at all.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good buy!, September 20, 2000

By	Ravi M Kumar (Nagano City, Nagano Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Ballroom Dancing (Paperback)

I purchased this book to compliment my dance instruction. Being that I take lessons in Japan, I needed a book, in English, which would reinforce and further explain what was being taught to me in class. I have found it a very useful book. However, this is not a book for a beginning dancer! The explanations and footwork patterns are detailed, but if you have no experience with ballroom dancing, the figures and explanations will mean very little to you.

Some of the more complicated steps do not have foot diagrams, which would have been helpful. All and all, an excellent book!