Arts D Dance Music Style

B>" Setting dance within a cultural context that is both understandable and interesting, this insightful reference captures the true art form of dance and traces the activity of dance as it existed down through the ages and all over the world. Beginning with the origins of dance and moving on to what takes place on Western dance stages today, this volume offers a sweeping overview of primitive, ethnic, and folk dance forms ... examines the major branches of Western dance art including ballet from its inception in 16th century Europe, modern dance, jazz, avant-garde, and the international eclectic contemporary scene ... tracks the repertory, technical training of performers, and creative theory of the many traditions that unify this art form ... includes discussions of significant dancers, their contributions, and the performers that inspired them; the background of period styles; pertinent ideas of major choreographers; capsule biographies of outstanding dance artists; effects of music and design on choreography; national characteristics of dance; the psychology of performers; and coverage on such concepts as Classic, Romantic, and Avant-garde to clarify trends and invoke thought on the Dance Art and society ... and makes many comparisons to current day events. Suitable for anyone involved or interested in dance history.

-- This book is the first to pitch the old way of providing dance instruction by means of complicated and incomplete step pattern illustrations in exchange for a new photo-intensive approach. -- The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Ballroom Dancing is the first book to acknowledge the changing image of ballroom dancing as a less formal, more mainstream social activity. -- Includes a bonus instructional CD with music for every type of dance. The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Ballroom Dancing is an illustration-intensive how-to book that introduces readers to all of the various forms of ballroom dancing. The book will cover basic footwork and mechanics essential to all forms of ballroom dancing, as well as those that are specific to three styles (smooth, rhythm, and Latin). Within each style, each dance will be discussed, including a brief description of its origin, it's musical characteristics, photos/illustrations depicting the most important movements, and a sample of dance-specific music on the accompanying CD.