Social Dance: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series) [Paperback]

Judy Patterson Wright (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0880114495 | ISBN-13: 978-0880114493 | Publication Date: October 1991 | Edition: First Printing

Social Dance: Steps to Success gives readers simple, step-by-step instructions for learning five popular social dance styles: Swing, Polka, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Fox-Trot. What makes this book unique is the step-by-step progression that teaches simple skills, then builds on those skills to develop creative dance routines. As readers progress, they will learn how to execute basic steps, communicate both verbally and nonverbally with their partner, lead and follow, move from one dance position to another, combine dance variations into sequences, adapt their sequences to avoid colliding with other couples, and create their own dance sequences. A special feature of Social Dance: Steps to Success is the soundsheet, bound right into the book. Played on a turntable, the soundsheet provides 18 minutes of music that complements the lessons and drills in the book. The music includes examples of different time signatures, dance styles, and tempos. It helps readers learn how to match footwork to the music they hear. Five cassette tapes are also available - one for each dance style - that provide more music to practise with. Each has 30 minutes of instrumental music composed specifically for social dancing. These cassettes provide music ideally suited for practice, with the proper time signature and speed for each of the five social dance steps. Each of the 12 steps in Social Dance: Steps to Success is an easy transition from the one before. The first few steps provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts to help readers understand alignment, musical structure, and how to match their footwork to the music. Readers learn how to adjust to a partner, how to make transitions, and how to combine dance steps. As they near the top of the steps to success staircase, they will be successful in all five dance styles. As readers climb the 12 steps to social dance success, they'll benefit from unique ear-foot co-ordination drills, superb illustrations depicting correct body positioning for all the basic dance steps, excellent drills sequenced to help them quickly master the proper footwork, timing, and dance styling, and strategies for learning not only the packaged basic steps, but also for creating their own steps and sequences. Social Dance: Steps to Success will help readers get started, make steady progress, practise in performance contexts, and adjust to various since situations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Wright provides a thorough, step-by-step approach in instructing prospective Freds and Gingers in body alignment and carriage, music recognition, brief dance histories, and basic and variant footwork for five social dances: swing, cha-cha, foxtrot, polka, and waltz. "Success goals" and drills at the end of each lesson mark progress. The book even includes a soundsheet (not heard) of sample music, so that beginning dancers won't try to cha-cha to a polka beat. However, until the typical foot-movement diagrams are augmented by video closeups, they may remain puzzling and awkward to many Arthur Miller wannabes. Nonetheless, this self-instructional book can prevent diligent readers from having two left feet. Appropriate for school or public libraries with a demand for recreational dance methods.
- Cathy Sabol, Northern Vir ginia Community Coll., Manassa
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Pr; First Printing edition (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880114495
• ISBN-13: 978-0880114493
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,237,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Ballroom

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