Giving students, teachers, and parents an edge in dance education
Gwen and Kate are sisters in the same ballet company. Gwen has left New York to be with her family in Michigan and a palpable, angry silence has developed between she and her sister, Kate. “the Crane Dance” an upcoming novel by Meg Howrey follows their personal and professional struggles with “flair, wit and honesty,” says our guest reviewer. Put this one on your summer reading list!
Looking through the list of dance-related picture books that were released in the United States in 2011, three unique categories of books stand out. Picture Books & Pirouettes blogger, Kerry Aradhya looks at little ballerina characters who could give Angelina a run for her money, Spanish and Latin American dance, and books that explore the joy of movement.
Four years ago, a young dancer, Melinda Marchiano was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She’s transformed her confrontation with cancer into something beautiful, documenting her path through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in a memoir, Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, which she published in October, 2010. Melinda talks with DA about cancer, her book, and her future plans.
The Ballet Combination Book and Ballet Step by Step by Dance Teacher Press serve two different uses and audiences. But you’ll love the simplicity and practicality of both. For teachers, the classic combinations can save you time or serve up a little inspiration. For students or parents, terminology is presented clearly in a useful and logical order. Read more of our thoughts in this review.
Looking for special and unique gift for your young dancer at recital time? These two story collections are as educational as they are beautiful. And you’ll want to take a look at the wonderful array of children’s literature Barefoot Books has to offer. Encompassing art, environmentally conscious lifestyle, global cultures, and learning tools, all are works of art.
Now widely accepted and taught in university dance programs, at first Kenneth Laws’ writings connecting physics and the art of dance were accused of “reducing ballet to a science.” Learn more about Laws, his late start in dance, and his books in this introductory post on his pioneering work in the dance field.
Dr. Renee Rothman, a dancer and cultural anthropologist, share 13 books that address the human meaning and experience of dancing in cultures throughout the world. Selected because they are easy for general audiences to read, these texts cover dance throughout history, Modern Dance, Jazz Dance, and Social Dance in America, Latin Dance, Middle Eastern Dance, and dance in China. Expand your dance library or your horizons with this reading list.
A reader, looking for resources to assist in helping the students create their own dances, asks for recommendations. Included is a list of books and manuals on dance composition and improvisation plus my own quick tips for working with younger age groups as they begin their exploration of choreography.
Alexandra Langstaff has been teaching creative movement and modern dance in Vermont for over 20 years. She spends the majority of her time in pre-schools, elementary schools and day care centers. She shares her Top Three Props with DA readers because they saved her when the electricity went out, the iPod quit and the cute speaker system wasn’t loud enough.
TWO Dance Advantage readers will win a DVD copy of the electrifying thriller, BLACK SWAN, available on BLU-RAY and DVD MARCH 29. You may have loved it or loathed it but, if you saw it in theatres, you know BLACK SWAN is a film dancers will want to have in their home library. BLACK SWAN stars Natalie Portman in her Academy Award® winning role. The seductive and haunting Best Picture nominated film is directed by innovator Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler). Daily Variety hailed it as “…wicked, sexy and ultimately devastating… fascinating.”
About the KineticFlix.com dance and fitness DVD rental service and its owners Linda and Lois. Their efforts make nearly 3000 DVD titles available to the dance community. They share what keeps them motivated and describe some of the challenges of running a small business.
Spring Fever Giveaway 2011: SURPRISE!
Our final giveaway comes from… Dance Advantage w/ a little help from a friend. Two readers will win a copy of The Dancer’s Way by Linda H. Hamilton (a comprehensive dancer’s companion); Richard Maddock’s As Creation Unfolds: Part Three (an instrumental album for relaxation or choreography), and a micro-fiber sleeveless t-shirt featuring the DA logo (great for class). A third, grand prize winner will get all this plus a pair of the popular MUK LUKs to keep the feet and ankles warm between classes.