Dance Books

I bought this book for my son who recently became a father. I read some of it before giving it to him and thought it was very funny, very realistic, and enjoyed it very much. Probably more amusing for someone who has already lived through raising toddlers, but it will give my son some idea of what to look forward to. great book

This book is the follow up to "So, You are going to be a Dad?" from the same Author. ANd the first book was awesome, this b second one is also really funny and the sometimes sarcastic humor is just great !!
Enjoy !!

A great book! Mr. Downey entertains while delivering important, every-day advice to new dads. Dad's will laugh out loud and feel re-assured that they're not total failures at fatherhood. With his unpretentious writing style and unique brand of wit, Mr. Downey covers everything from baby's first steps to "permanent" birth control options, and he never fails to entertain. Dad's can only hope that Mr. Downey continues to share his thoughts and experiences through his children's pre-pubescent and teen years.

Finally, a down-to-Earth, no-holes-barred reference book for new Dads. No fancy terminology - just creative terminology. No detailed psychological analysis from a group of doctors who pride themselves on using 10-syllable words - just the blunt facts from an everyday-Dad's point of view. An extremely humorous, yet insightful view into Dadism.

A perfect follow-up to Downey's "So You're Gonna Be A Dad". I could only hope he continues his wizardry of words addressing prepubescent teenagers!!

As a 46 year old father of 2 young children, I have found this book to be very informative and very humorous(actually at times horrifying for fathers to be). The book could be classified as humorous horror for fathers. Peter Downey touches on all important aspects of childrearing in a down-to-earth, easy to read, practical, "lets get our hands dirty on this" fashion. Fathers with children will really identify with the problems discussed in this book. He doesn't shy away from touchy topics like sex, nudity in front of the children or physical discipline. He's obviously read the "professionals" on childrearing and his advice on how to deal with the many problems we dads encounter reflects this, but is also heavily flavoured with his own personal strategies developed on the frontlines of being a dad to 3 children himself. Of course, if you're a perfect dad, doing everything right or if you're not a dad you may want to read the book for it's humour, with which Peter is not stingy.

this book of poetry is stunning. Its one of my favorite books in my collection and it is the kind of poetry you can read over and over and get something new from it each time you read it. There is something in this collection for everyone. Brilliant, beautiful, touching, and delicious.

If one could open up my head and my heart and read it in words, perhaps it is what this book has done. Devyn was able to use the words as a tool to craft where the real poetry lies - in the emotions, sensations, and memories they evoke. Read several in one sitting and you will feel what it's like to fall in and out of love from one moment to the next - the ecstasy, the bewilderment, the enchantment, the betrayal, the sadness, nostalgia, and the deep core of longing. The wonderful part is that it is readable for most people - one doesn't need to feel frustrated that they missed some sort of special insight that only the author has. Some poems are the characterizations of the "goddes" and are really the ancient archetypes that flow through the rest of the more personal, provocative works. I also love the cover art - it definitely sets the mood and draws one into the enrapturing pages that lie in between. Thank you!

Devyn's work is truly awe inspiring. This is a phenomenal collection of poems by Devyn Barat. Each piece will move you I swear.

Devyn's poetry is beautifully written and heartfelt. For myself and my friends who have also read his work, we have each found specific poems that we connect to for one reason or another. We never get tired of rereading this book.

The poetry in this book is very touching and inspirational. Imagery is beautiful and perfectly describes the thoughts and feelings each poem is trying to convey. I highly recommend this work of art!

Join author, Elisha Cooper, as he pays tribute to the marvelous world of dance. This is a unique book about the process, not the performance. Arrive at the studio and warm up with the troupe, stretching and working at the barre. Meet the choreographer and watch as he demonstrates steps and teaches the new dance, bending bodies and correcting positions "as if he were molding clay." Then practice, practice, practice. "The dancers rehearse until their arms and legs remember the steps." There are costumes to fit, tickets to sell, programs to print, and advertisements to write. Lights, music, and scenery need to be coordinated with the dance and dancers, and even flowers need to be bought to give to the dancers after the performance. So much to do in only four short weeks... Mr Cooper's lyrical text is filled with imagery, magic, and passion as it creatively mimics its subject and dances across the pages. His simple pencil and watercolor artwork dazzles, complementing the prose beautifully, and captivates with grace, energy, and motion. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, or as a read aloud for younger children, Dance is an evocative and exciting experience that builds with each page turn. "Opening night. A crowd forms outside the theater, bustling for tickets. The dancers gather backstage. They can hear the buzz of the audience finding seats, the beating of their own hearts. They hug. The choreographer tells them they are wonderful. The lights go down. The curtain goes up."

"Dance" by Elisha Cooper is a triumph. The illustrations have a wonderful grace and style sure to delight children of all ages. I treasure my copy.

I LOVED this book! I have ten kids to give holiday presents to this year and I'm getting Dance! for all of them. It's the best of what a kid's book should be -- mind-expanding and entertaining for the child, and just as entertaining for the adult who has to read it to them every night!

Cooper does what I didn't think was possible--he captures, on the page, the beauty and fluidity of dance. His exquisitely simple watercolors--and exquisitely spare prose--take us from the dancers' studio, to the neighborhood in which the dancers live, to the opening night stage. His artwork evokes rather than dictates, his prose suggests rather than explains. It's a gorgeous book. And my kids, the most important judges, loved it.

Three of my four children are or were involved in dance. After reading the review for Dance in the New York Times, I bought it for my youngest for a birthday present. I quickly found myself back in the bookstore buying copies for my other children (and for my sister's kids, and the author's Baseball book for my son) for Christmas. It truly was a wonderful find, and I'd suggest it to anyone who knows kids--or adults, for that matter--with an interest in dance. Highest recommendation.

Elisha Cooper's book Dance! is wonderful for what it says and shows but also for what it does not spell out. He shows us some of the exquisite details in the daily lives of the dancers, in the practice studios, posing and touching and relating to each other..walking on your partners back for example. But I'm pleased to say he stops before you get the big show, just when the curtain is about to go up. Now young and old a like will stretch their creative imagination to envision the performance. Almost like the good old days of radio shows when you listened carefully and visualized what was going on. Maybe Elisha Copper will someday give us Act I so we can compare it to ours. He gets better with each book.

The Golden Age of movies is sometimes taken as the glorious silent era. However, it can be argued that the films made right after the advent of sound provided more realism and more to think about than movies before or since. In a vital and entertaining study, _Dangerous Men: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man_ (Thomas Dunne), Mick LaSalle lovingly analyzes the films and movie heroes from around 1929 until 1934 when censorship took over. Those interested in the history of film, and in learning more about giants like Cagney and Gable, as well as about important but forgotten former stars like Richard Barthelmess and Warren William, will find this book irresistible. After 1934, it was a long while before American films were made without a censor able to clip scenes, and LaSalle demonstrates that the pre-censorship (or "pre-Code") era was a time for realism as well as idealism in the movies.

LaSalle demonstrates that silent films were really productions of the Victorian era; men were expected to have sobriety and character. World War I, Prohibition, and the Great Depression changed all that. There was a deluge of pre-Code gangster movies, and every major actor played a gangster, even Spencer Tracy and Boris Karloff. The gangster movies, and the war movies, provided a new look at how a person might live in the world and live with himself; there was a good deal of introspection within the characters displayed on screen that would vanish when the Code came into force. Along with serious evaluation of such moral matters, pre-Code movies were full of pacifism. Repeatedly the young idealistic heroes go into battle only to be shocked at the destruction they themselves have wrought. These movies exalted individuality and distrust of governments that led citizens into pointless wars. Pre-Code films emphasized the heroism of getting wise and taking care of oneself, not the heroism of battles and bugles. There is a good brief history of Code censorship here, showing the role of the Catholic Legion of Decency and its regrettable effects. Not only did the Code enforcers impose wholesomeness on future movies, they insisted that when the pre-Code films were re-released they be re-cut into more acceptable form. Sadly, sometimes the censored version of a pre-Code film is all that remains. It was not until the ratings system came in 1968 that the Code was dismantled.

Partly LaSalle's book is a warning, and one especially pointed now that certain forces within the government find censorship in various forms appealing. LaSalle has enormous admiration for the films described here, but says, "Even vitality such as this can be squelched if a close-minded faction is obsessed, pernicious, and willing to organize." He has seen a lot more of these pre-Code pictures than his readers have, but anyone who enjoys the movies will be eager to take a look at these films after reading this book. Pre-Code films showed war brutality, governmental corruption, and harnessing courage to subvert the system. LaSalle writes, "These may be healthy things for individuals to know, but they aren't what governments like to see pumped into the public consciousness."

It's a toss-up as to which of Mick LaSalle's great pre-Code books (his previous is COMPLICATED WOMEN) is superior. COMPLICATED WOMEN is a work of advocacy, in a sense -- he wants to rescue the women of pre-Code from obscurity and critical neglect, and he does so ably. This book is more cool-headed amd critical. It's also funnier. It feels more grounded in the real politics and culture of the early 1930s. The research goes deeper. The book is longer. I think they're both essential reading, demonstrating a passion for film and an understanding of history that's impressive, rare and indispensable.

I wish I could have given this book 5 stars, but Mr. LaSalle had made a minor mistake. In the book's first chapter, he made the mistake of comparing most of the major actors of this era - especially Clark Gable - to the recent film star, Tom Cruise. In some attempt to put Cruise at a disadvantage, he described the actor as being "amiable" and youthful in compare to Gable. One, Cruis is more than an "amiable" actor. He has made a career of portraying some rather ambiguous and/or dark characters during the past twenty-five years. And two, he stopped being youthful a long time ago. I think that Mr. LaSalle may have been blinded by Cruise's famous smile and failed to give a more accurate portrayal of the actor's career.

Mick LaSalle has done a fine job in recording the accomplishments of actresses before the pre code "censorship" era (1929-1934 or thereabouts!) . If you are at all interested
in films of the thirties this is a MUST! And if you are just interested in films in general this will surely be "of interest". And if you are a Norma Shearer fan it is a MUST!

I guess it's too early to have a favorite book of the year, but I can say with certainty that, had I completed it in 2002, Dangerous Men would qualify as one of my top two or three -- and probably the best non-fiction book I've read: So smart, so authoritative and, as some other readers have pointed out, so funny -- funny, even as you're learning something fascinating on every page.
It is hardly the usual sort of film book. Rather it's a brilliant investigation into the nature of manhood in the twentieth century, using these films as markers along the way. At the same time, it is a movie book in the sense that you come away dying to see the movies. I'm going to be using the list that the book provides to help make my video choices in the coming months.
What a wonderful Christmas gift. I already ordered Complicated Women, because now I can't get enough of the subject. You'll probably feel the same way, too. By all means, this is a book to get.

This is such a great book. I really enjoyed reading it. It tells Buddy, Ritchie and J.P.'s story in a very interesting and easy to follow book. I would recommend this book to any Buddy fan. Five stars!

This is a great book. I have always been interested in "The day the music died" I had read several books and magazine articles about Buddy Holly's life but there was little in the way of the actual Winter Dance Party or the other musicians. I purchased this book and was shocked at how well and detailed the accounts of the musicians lives and the aftermath of the plane crash was. Larry Lehmer did an excelent job and should be commended on telling the truth not just what Buddy Holly's widow wanted or others who are wanting to cover the truth about what life was really like for all those involved. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in rock and roll, Buddy Holly or just 50's style music.

This book is great because it not only tells of the careers of those involved in the Winter Party Tour, but also tells details leading up the crash (including stops in many small towns along the way). It was quite informative.
Buddy Holly is the best known,yet most elusive and enigmatic of all Rock 'n' Roll legends.This man was a genius.The way he constructed his songs was sensational.

Larry Lehmer has crafted one of the better journalistic books about a historical rock 'n' roll event. He brings a newspaperman's observations and senses to the project, which connects all the dots in the tragic last tour for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. "The Day the Music Died" is not only entertaining -- somber and occasionally macabre in appropriate moments, and humorous elsewhere -- but it describes the days and weeks leading up to the tragic crash in Clear Lake through the eyes of people who were there. In each case, he paints a vivid portrait of a fallen star, making their stories all the more tragic. To read this book is to understand how American rock 'n' roll evolved from its early, innocent roots toward the fragmented, even chaotic market it encompasses today. I highyl recommend this book.

The initial first run of this great book was not around very long and people have been begging since for a reprint and here it is! This one is hard to put down, it is intriguing, informative and FACTUAL, which most Buddy book are not (avoid the Amburn book at all costs). What is particularily nice is that it features a great deal of updated info about the last tour & crash, info about Roger Peterson, and a good deal about Ritchie & The Bopper that usually doesn't get included. Lehmer talks to people that were at the shows, helped with the Tour, etc. No wild theories here, just the facts. Top notch in every regard. You see any bad reviews here? 'Nuff said!

This book really is the definitive source of all things Disney by the keeper of its archives. It is fascinating and complete, containing information about theme parks, characters, movies, television shows, music, and more. It is the must-have reference for Disney fans like myself.

This is a must have for Disney fans. Everything from ABC's LOST to the Alice Comedies and from Steamboat Willy to Meet the Robinsons is covered here. Some articles are more detailed than others but everything is covered. Makes an interesting read just on its own. Film historians and students will find a wealth of connective material here to jump start them on research and fill in the dots on hard to find questions. A beautiful display of pictures is included with this volume. If you can't actually visit the archives (and I certainly would like to) then this is the next best thing.

"Disney A to Z" is an awesome book that a true Disney fan cannot live without. It is a great book that will help you find out about old Disney movies, that you might have not seen. "Disney A to Z" encyclopedia is also an essential source for those that love to play the "Disney Seen it" board game. It gives a short description of ALL Disney movies including the short ones that came out after the World War II. I LOVE IT!!!

This is a great gift for any Disney fan. Many listing bring back great memories and coll trivia.

This book is a great resource for all Disney fans. All the characters, all the movies (unfortunately, the Mephisto movie made in collaboration with Salvador Dali is not in the book) and all the attractions, parks, properties and influentials employees are mentioned. Maybe just not as exhaustive as I would like it; it is, however, a great resource.

AS A THERAPIST AND AD/HD COACH, I WILL BE USING THIS WONDERFUL BOOK TO HELP PROMOTE THE VERY IMPORTANT VALUES OF BELIEVING IN YOUSELF, HAVING GOALS AND WORKING HARD TO ACHEIVE YOUR DREAMS.
I WOULD RECCOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES- THE MESSAGE IS UNIVERSAL!!
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This was a cute story for girls. I like how the little girl never gave up on her dream even when she thought that her teacher didn't believe in her. The best part of the story is when the little girl realizes that her teacher wasn't critizing her, but helping her be the best she can be to help her reach her dreams. This book teaches you to never give up hope and that your dreams are attainable.

This is a lovely book, both visually and in content. It is fun, light, magical yet "serious" at the same time, touching on the many dimensions of following a dream.

I especially liked the magical moon, his wonderful song, totally unexpected, which for me added to the magic and the power of his interchange with Tara the dancer. A lover of the stars, moon, dance and dreams, I feel lighter and brighter having read the book, and inspired!

A timeless message to us all, young and old. Never give up on your dreams no matter what. The illustrations are beautifull and bright. Very uplifting and a wonderful gift for any young girl.

This uplifting story about a young girl and her dreams is beautifully illustrated and dances rhythmically from page to page. The story and the pictures will be wonderfully inspiring to dancers and dreamers of all ages.

A fascinating look at the birth and eventual fall of the Group Theatre through the eyes of Harold Clurman, who was the heart and soul of this theatre troupe. The Group Theatre would eventually change the course of American acting through their embrace of the Stanislavsky method of acting. Anyone with a love of theatre and it's rich history would love this book. Any actor should read it. The names that came out of the Group Theatre are like the 'Gods' of American acting and teaching "the Method". Stella Adler, Bobby Lewis, Stanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Clifford Odets.

As an actor this book filled me with a rediscovery of why my work matters and it inspired me to continue in an industry where success is so dificult. Though I am not a method actor i respect the accomplishments of the group theatre immensely and to hear harold clurman tell it is to hear it thorugh the glue of it all. Read this if you love theatre.

What a wonderful book. I've always loved reading history and books of all topics and times of history dominate my shelf. However there is a void that is now apparent of books of the theatre and of the artists working within it. This has been a wonderful introduction to how much can really be said about the formation of a theatre and the ups and downs of its life.

Certainly anyone aspiring to be an actor or anyone in the business looking to see what finding the art in your work is all about, this is a must read. Clurman has an amazing memory, vividly retells all that took place during those turbulent years, and does so with a powerful, strong refreshingly opinionated point of view.

All in all, really a wonderful book in both story telling and lessons that I would love to revisit soon.

The Group Theatre, modeled off of the equally influencial Moscow Art Theatre, was an artistic organization that completely and drastically revolutionized not only American Theatre, but World Theatre as well.

Formed in the 1930's and comprised of what has become a literal who's who of Theatre: Clifford Odets, Elia Kazan, Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Cheryl Crawford, John Garfield, Sanford Meisner and many others, The Group Theatre sought to create a vibrant and organic native theatre that sought to not only mirror the times but also instigate radical social change.

At no other time in American history has an artistic group been comprised of so many talented individuals focused on one aesthetic and political goal. Despite one's political leanings (make no mistake, The Group Theatre were extreme leftest liberals), The Fervent Years provides and endless and bountiful amount of inspiration and stimulation for any theatre artist.

Clurman writes in a fine dramatic style that boils with passion, wit and insight. The Fervent Years is required reading for all devotees of The Theatre. But don't let that scare you, it is a most entertaining read at the same time.

This book is a beautiful account of the struggles and events surrounding Harold Clurman during his time with the Group Theater. Harold starts off by revealing how his life brought him to establish the Group along with Lee Strasberg and Cheryl Crawford. It then continues and describes the significant struggles and events encountered by the Group and its members along with some beautiful and extremely important observations Harold made, not only regarding the theater community and its participants, but also about our society in general and its effect on art in general.

This book is an absolute must for any serious actor or director. For that matter, anyone serious about life would gain from reading this book. The Group Theater was a wonderful "experiment" fostered by some very passionate people who not only helped to shape theater in America, but they also played a significant role in laying the groundwork from which some of the best acting and directing has emerged as seen in films and theater since that time.

I stand in disbelief when folks in the "business" don't know about Harold Clurman or the Group Theater and it members.

I've only read about half of this book for my History of American Film class this semester at Century College,and I must say that the books Bruce writes are just as cool,calm,and collected as he is in person!Anyone who would like to get a better understanding about film in general should think of this book as an overview;it's full of interesting vocabulary terms,tidbits about some of the best films ever created,and just the way the material is presented:slow-paced with humor to keep your mind involved in the material.If you want to learn how to accomplish more at the movie theater or in your living room than sitting and watching,get this book;soon you'll be thinking about films the way the director intended!

For people who want to go beyond Hollywood and explore the real world of film, this is a great starting place. Here is a book that covers the whole gamut of film study. Concise and precise, this book is eclectic and bold. It is hard to put down. If you are at all interested in film, or if you are tired of the Hollywood offerings, then this is the book to begin with. It includes all the essentials, but in a compact form. I loved reading the author's way of writing and opinions. Not just facts, but passion is displayed in this amazing book. I look at films differently now. I appreciate them more, and feel much more comfortable talking about them because of this book. A great introduction to the cinema from an academic point of view, as well as offering a wealth of recommended films that are very up-to-date and historically important.

This is exactly the book you need if you are at all interested in films. It covers everything, is short, easy to read, well-written, and fascinating. A wonderful introduction including lots of film titles, opinions, vocabulary, history, art, and genres. There is information on film history, techniques, and artistic evaluations. Also, the appendix includes a list of great films organized by date, by foreign and American films. A marvelous book about films and art.

Being a movie buff,I love the fact that this book helps you to be a critical viewer as well as a fan.Written for experts & the lay person alike, you find concise definitions & explanations of all movie terminology & nomenclature.It literally teaches you how to be a film critic and familiarizes you with the technical aspects as well.A highly recommended read.

Being someone who ordinarily uses movies purely for escapism & entertainment value,I was a little skeptical as to the notion of film as art.However, after reading Mr. Hinrich's book,I am forced to rethink my sensibilities on the subject.Because now,I am able to enjoy films on multiple levels, and appreciate the way he was able to cater to the layperson and the expert alike.This book (if comprehended properly) literally teaches you how to critique movies & films from both the film student and casual viewers standpoint.Mixing both professorial as well as easily understandable terminology & nomenclature,Film & Art hits the mark accurately.If Gene Siskel were still with us, I'm sure he'd give it a well deserved thumbs up.

This set of Book/DVD/CD provides an excellent training material for learning Flamenco Guitar for who has some background of playing guitar.
I am quite satisfied with this set and have alreday got the Volume 2:book/DVD.

thanks a lot, el libro, cd y dvd llegaron a tiempo, muchas gracias!!
un manual practico para iniciarce en el mundo del flamenco

The product lived up to my expectations. The DVD allowed me to see the way that the flamenco players accomplish techniques. It is a great way to introduce the flamenco guitar technique.

Graf-Martínez's Value Pack is truly a bargain. You get not only a text in a familiar, carefully annotated and progressive format, but also its parallel breakdown in lessons on both CD and video (DVD) format. The author's detailed explanations make much of the flamenco nuances accessible. Go through the DVD first to familiarize yourself with the material, put the CD in your digital player so you can enjoy it in your car or home, and then go back to the book and follow the method.

I started with this DVD two months after I started playing the guitar. I found the DVD very helpful, and kind to myself as an ultra beginner (although I do read music).

PROS:
*Martinez plays a song in its original speed; then, with tabs and music available to the viewer, he plays it much slower.

*The DVD starts with easy techniques, working its way to more difficult ones. The techniques are shown in regular speed, then a much slower speed.

*The camera gives close-up angles of right-hand techniques.

*Tabs are available.

*After a technique, a song follows using only that technique.

*A highlighted bar moves across the music showing where Martinez is playing. This also serves somewhat as a metronome.

*Great songs

*Wide range of techniques introduced and explained.

CONS:
*The translator for Martinez sounds a bit awkward; nonetheless, every word translated is very comprehensible.

*Sometimes the tabulature (i.e. the actual numbers themselves) is hard to read.

*Rarely is there a close-up on the fingering hand of Martinez.


Overall: I cannot recommend this DVD enough for beginners--it has been immeasurably helpful for me, and has turned me into an intermediate player.