"An inviting introduction to all the major smooth, Latin, and rhythm dances ; swinging strategies for mastering timing, technique, and rhythm ; clear photos to guide you through the most important dance movements"--Cover.
Physical Description
xxiii, 276 p. : ill. ; 28 cm. + 1 compact disc (4 3/4 in.)
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. [265]-266) and index.
1. Past Ballroom Dancing Expressions: From the Renaissance to the Age of Reform. The Renaissance Sets the Stage. The First True Dancing Queen. The Dance Masters Create the Roots for Ballet. The Scandalous Waltz. Age of Reform: Queen Victoria (Reign 1837-1901). Waltzing to America
2. Modern Ballroom Dancing Expressions: From 1900 to the Present. 1900: The Creature Dances. 1910: The Castles. 1920s: The Radio and the Phonograph. 1930s: America Cuts a Rug. 1940s: The Latin Beat and World War II. 1950s: The Rock and Roll Invasion. 1960s: Solo Dancing. 1970s: Disco and the Hustle. 1980s: The Reagan Era. 1990s to the Present
3. What Makes Us Dance. Mysterious Instinctual Desire. Why Men Dance. Why Women Dance. Deepening Relationships with Dance
4. Dancing Through Your Big Day. The Magic of the First Dance. The Perfect Song. How Soon Is Soon Enough? Keep the Moment Brief and Let the Magic Last. Funny, on the Way to Their Wedding, We Learned How to Dance. The Groom Presents His Bride. Recommended Timelines for the Wedding Dance Scenario
II. Before Your Ball
5. Lifestyles Improve Socially, Psychologically, and Physically. No Longer a Couch Potato, Your Dance Card Is Full. Poise and Power Meet Elegance and Romance. Let's Get Physicalwith Nonmovement Activity
6. The Challenges of Ballroom Dancing. From Jalopy to Ferrari. What Is a Dance Step? The Dynamic Duo Legs in Action. Patience and Kindness Are Virtues
7. Music and More Music: About the Music on Your CD. Your Music for Dancing. Standardization = Acceptance. Track One: Waltz. Track Two: Foxtrot. Track Three: Tango. Track Four: Viennese Waltz. Track Five: Rumba. Track Six: Merengue. Track Seven: Samba. Track Eight: Cha-Cha. Track Nine: Mambo. Track Ten: East Coast Swing. Track Eleven: Hustle
8. Timing and Rhythm for the Layperson. Music and You. Let's Take a Break from Music. Gardening for Rhythm and Timing. Digging the Beat. The Same Thing over and over Again. Time Has a Signature. Slows and Quicks. Stressful? Not Really. Using the Time to Count Time. Listening and Learning
9. The Plain Truth About Practicing, Expectations, and Prioritization. The Three Ps of Dancing. Some Space to Dance. Suit Up and Hoofs On. Attitude Is Food for Your Muscles. A Fresh Step. Gearing Up for Practice. The Next Big Dance Step
III. Two Become One: Creating The Dance Couple
10. The Quickstart Program(c) Progressive Movements. Simple but Very Necessary. Forward. Backward as If You Were Blindfolded. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect. Sideways: The Third and Last Linear Direction. Choreographed Routine
11. The Quickstart Program(c) Nonprogressive Movements. Your First Real Dance Step. The Common Denominator of Ballroom Dancing. Closing Actions in the Smooth Dances. Stay in Time. The Box Step Is Your Trailblazer
12. Dance Positions with Your Partner. Let's Get Close and Physical. Contact Points for the Hands and Arms. One Last Word. Promenade Position. The Wedding Dip
13. The Interactions of the Dance Couple. Leading and Following. Use of the Hands and Arms. Leading Rotation. Foot Position in CBMP. Inside and Outside of a Turn. Magic Part of the Foot. Knee Veer. Sway
IV. Fred and Ginger Here we Come: The Smooth Dances
14. Your Best Directions. Diagram of Line of Dance. Description of Line of Dance. Why We Use Line of Dance. How We Use Line of Dance. Common Courtesies on the Dance Floor. Dealing With a Congested Floor
15. Waltz. Box with Underarm Turn. Simple Twinkle. Progressive. Box Turn-1/4 Turn to Left (Counterclockwise). Box Turn-1/4 to Right (Clockwise). Choreographed R