The Tap Dance Dictionary [Hardcover]

Mark Knowles (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786403527 | ISBN-13: 978-0786403523 | Publication Date: July 1998 | Edition: Casebound

The language of tap dancing is as rich and varied as that of any art, and different choreographers, teachers and performers often use totally different terms for exactly the same step. The various names of all steps and clear descriptions of them are collected for the first time in this reference work. The emphasis is on all variations of a name, from universally recognized terms to simple "pet" names that individual performers and choreographers have created, with extensive cross-references provided. Each of the steps is fully described, with appropriate counts, explanations and history. Many antique and unusual steps such as the Patting Juba, the Quack and the Swanee Shuffle are included.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

During his career as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, the author collected tap-dancing terminology, steps, combinations, and stories about their provenance. His teacher, Louis DaPron, was his inspiration for starting this project, the source of much of his information, and the originator of the notation for writing down how the steps are done. Knowles' later research consisted of searching old books and articles for names of steps, and personal interviews with people in the tap field. Primarily a record of steps, this volume does not have entries on performers or other aspects of the field. It will not teach readers how to tap. It does, however, give the basic information necessary for dancers to perform the steps, from A,B,C Step to Zink.

Tap steps can be named for the way they sound when danced, the way they look, the person who created them, or the place they originated. Many tap steps have several names, and these are cross-referenced. Entries are broader than just tap. A few terms come from ballet but are used in tap dancing (cabriole, pas de Basque). Entries explain and describe many ballroom dances (boogie woogie, bunny hop, rumba, waltz), folk dances (clog dancing, polka, schottische), and African American dances (black bottom cake walk). Some entries include brief historical information.

This unique reference book will be a welcome addition to academic libraries supporting curricula in dance and theater arts, and public libraries with comprehensive dance collections. While concentrating on notation, it also sheds some light on a slice of the history of popular dance in America. Other libraries may purchase as needed.

Review

"Most thorough compendium...to date on the tap dance scene...extensive research...this book is exceptional" -- Reference & User Services Quarterly

"The rich and varied language of tap dancing is documented here...useful...valuable" -- ARBA

"Unique...welcome" -- Booklist/RBB

"the rich and varied language of tap dancing is documented here...a useful tool and a valuable source of information" -- ARBA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company; Casebound edition (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786403527
• ISBN-13: 978-0786403523
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #731,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Tap
  • #61 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough!, January 4, 2000

By 

Elle "Elle" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tap Dance Dictionary (Hardcover)

This book is a great asset for all tappers. It is filled with almost every version of every step known to tappers. I can sit for hours flipping through this book and trying new things. I also find the historical information very interesting. As a dance teacher, this book is a must-have. I am sure it will continue to serve me well all throughout my career.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the few tap dictionaries left with clear definitions., July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tap Dance Dictionary (Hardcover)

There aren't many TAP dictionaries out there, and out of the few I know of, this one is an asset to have by my side in my dance studio. It has clear definitions and explanations on how to perform the steps. It's got a touch of history for the curious, and has become a trusty companion. I like that it contains different terminology from places all around. A definite five star book!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars highly recommended for all dance collections, February 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tap Dance Dictionary (Hardcover)

From Backstage 9/18/98 review by Jennie Schulman "....intensive and comprehensive. In addition to detailed descriptions of all the basic steps extant, there are fascinating details of many of their origins. There are also varied descriptions of the social dances from the 19th Century to our own era, many of which were interpolated into tap.The Tap Dance Dictionary is highly recommended for all dance collections.