Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference Volume 1 Fair Terpsichore to the Ghost Dance, 1607-1900 (Hardcover)

by Ralph G. Giordano (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This two volume set relates the history of the most popular social dances, where they began, which dances survived the test of time and why, and what attracted American men and women to social dancing in these periods. Unlike other books on social dancing that taught people "How to Dance," this books not only describes the dances, but also WHY Americans danced. This two volume companion set is the most comprehensive collection of American social dance from the first settlements in 1607 through the birth of the nation in 1776 and into the beginning of the 21st century. Social Dancing in America encompasses the global nature of the ethnic contributions to the formation of many unique American social dances. Those influences included the Native American Indian, Spanish, Caribbean, African, European, and other ethnic cultures that created original American social dances such as the Lindy Hop, Rock n' Roll, the Twist, Disco, Breakdancing, and Hip Hop. The book is also a celebration of the American spirit embodied among everyday individuals as they danced for fun, recreation, and family celebrations such as weddings. This book places social dancing in a historical, social, cultural, and political context. "A History of American Social Dancing," is about the integral part that social dancing played in the lives of every individual in America from the first settlements in 1607 through the birth of the nation in 1776 and through the 19th century. The reader will be surprised to learn that George Washington was not only the most famous American of his time, but also a well-known aficionado of social dancing. He incorporated the etiquette and manners of dances such as the Minuet as a means of diplomacy to secure European allies such as France during the Revolutionary War of Independence. During his presidency he toured the country and was honored at each occurrence with a dance in his honor. After his death, Americans continued to celebrate his birthday with a grand ball that included dancing.

About the Author
RALPH G. GIORDANO holds a license as a professional Registered Architect in the state of New York. Giordano is also an adjunct Professor of History and American Studies at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. His first book "Fun and Games in Twentieth Century America: A Historical Guide to Leisure," was published by Greenwood in September 2003.He has also contributed articles to several historical journals on various topics including Rosa Parks, Thomas Jefferson, Cold War Culture, Swing music, Hip-hop, and the integrated use of popular Culture and History.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 380 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (November 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031333403X
• ISBN-13: 978-0313334030
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,030,636 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Despite its limitations, a must-have text, November 9, 2008

By	Karin Norgard "www.joy-in-motion.com" (Anchorage, Alaska, USA) - See all my reviews

This is the only book (well, two-volume set) I know of that attempts to provide a comprehensive history of social dancing in the United States. For that reason alone, it is a must-have for social dance fanatics like myself despite the high price tag. It is a great reference book and provides interesting information on the cultural and historical background of each time period. It also provides some amusing trivia on the social dance practices in America before the 20th century. However, I found that this book was much better in covering the swing dances, which is probably natural given that the author's dance background is mostly in swing. Being a Latin dance enthusiast myself, I found the Latin dances were not adequately covered and in some cases were not a good reflection of the history and importance of these dances. Some of the most fundamental aspects of Latin dance history in the U.S. was left out; bachata, for instance, was not even mentioned. However, this two-volume set is a tremendous leap forward in providing a reference and resource for social dance lovers. For this, it is a must-have.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Review from "Lawrence Looks at Books: Gale Virtual Reference Library", August 18, 2007

By	Thelma Olsen "Thelma Lynn" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lawrence Looks at Books: Gale Virtual Reference Library

Professional architect-turned-social historian Ralph Giordano has transformed his enthusiasm for dancing into an entertaining survey of this popular social activity. The author divides his history of American dance into 11 periods of varying length. He devotes the most detail to the twentieth century with essays describing periods from 10-20 years. For each chapter, an introduction details the chief political and social movements of the time. A second section enumerates and describes both styles and particular dances, frequently including specific steps. "Places to Dance," describes the settings where dances might occur from assembly rooms and cotillions to dance halls, discos and clubs. The encouragement of dance by developing media like film, radio and television is also described. The portrait that emerges is not simply a sketch of popular pastimes, but a narrative of debates over religious doctrines and changing mores, as well as the development of new means of communication, media and entertainment. From the Virginia reel, the waltz and the polka to the Charleston, the twist and breakdancing, each new dance and musical movement reflected changes in attitudes and cultural perceptions. Giordano captures both the enthusiasm and concern these changes caused a variety of people at many times in our history. His guide is well illustrated and his text makes frequent reference to sources listed in the wide-ranging general bibliography. Each volume is separately indexed and includes period-specific bibliographies. Supplementary materials include a filmography by type of dance plus a list of online dance manuals. This detailed survey will serve both academic and public libraries.

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's Comments, February 4, 2007

By	Ralph Giordano (Staten Island, New York USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As the author, I definitely wanted to write a scholarly contribution to the very much overlooked American cultural development of Social dancing, however, I wanted to present it in a writing style that would appeal to the average individual. I have discovered in my time within dance clubs, especially the swing dances, that many individuals enjoy dressing in period costume and are quite interested in the history of their favored dance style. So as it turns out, to date this is the first book of its kind that has put together both a general interest reader and a scholarly work that discusses social dancing in a complete social, cultural, economic, political, and historical context. Many social dance books of the period simply provided descriptions and step-by-step instructions on "how to dance" as opposed to why people dance. My book also provides a consistent theme that contemporary dances and the associated music and fashion were more often attacked by forces of social morality and often labeled the newest dance trend as "scandalous."

This book is not a book to teach people "How to Dance" there are literally thousands of publications and hundreds of dance studios available to do just that. This book is an attempt to provide a clear understanding of what was involved in the basic patterns and rhythms of the dance, the origins, the popularity, but most importantly to place each in a historical and social context. This book is about the dances themselves and their importance in a social context. Therefore, each chapter contains a brief introduction of the social, political, and cultural climate. The book is about how individual Americans; mainly couples interacted in a social dance setting.