Dance Books

Do you like calm and weird books? If you do then is the book for you. The story Giraffes Can't Dance is about a Giraffe who is very clumsy and can't dance and gets teased a lot by other animals. Then he figures out that there is something called a jungle dance that will happen in a couple of days and all the animals practice some in groups more then two like the baboons and some just two like the lions. So then he practices but it's no help. So then a wise cricket helps him practice. I won't tell you the hole story but I will give you some more details like the setting is the jungle and some of the characters are the Giraffe, the baboons, lions and more animals that you will love. I thought the authors message was that just because someone or something can't do some thing doesn't mean you shouldn't be their friend or bail on them. So if you want to see what happens by the book I am sure you will like it.

My children and I love this book, especially the rhymes and the exuberant, joyful illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees. Gerald is such a wonderful character. The book has already become a classic!

This is a great story about how it's okay for us to be individuals that dance to a different beat. The illustrations are wonderful. Bought the book for our 3-year old son but everyone in the family enjoys reading the story.

I love this book! My mentor read it to her 8th grade class before they went off to high school and i bought it as a parting gift for a friend of mine who just went to college. It has a wonderful message of "dancing to you own beat" or just being yourself, no matter what people think. Seeing that i just had my first child, i will definitely be buying him this book and i will read it to him, even if he is only 3 months old because i don't think anyone is too young to be taught that they deserve individuality.

This is one of the cutest stories I have come across and is not one I mind reading over and over again to my small children. The pictures are bright and interesting, the words just roll off the tongue, and the message is sweet. At first I was afraid it would be a little wordy since my kids are just one and two but they like it and it definitely keeps their interest. It is also the reason my kids have learned the name of jungle animals! They point out the giraffe, monkeys, elephants etc. when even Baby Einstein wasn't able to teach them that.

"Thank You so much for your book. It is an essential tool that every actor in Los Angeles MUST HAVE. You have graciously offered all the information in one place that would take an actor years to figure it all out on their own. THANK YOU.

-Guy D. Wells"

I started reading this book thinking I could jot down a couple useful pieces of information and quickly advance to another book on acting. Boy was I wrong!

This book is overflowing with so many sources that you may as well toss out the Yellowpages. Judy Kerr did a flawless job of providing step-by-step instructions regarding the business-side of acting and how you can get started.

Sure, there are useful quotes from all kinds of big names and experienced veterans about the technique, but Judy was very wise to simply refer readers to all types of classes, coaches and workshops rather than attempt to write a book on how to act. Experience is the only way you truly learn, not by reading about others who experience it.

I'm currently saving up to take the 2-week trip to Los Angeles to research the city which is mentioned in the book with detailed stops to make.

If you're wondering whether or not this book should be on your bookshelf at home, buy it now. No, don't continue reading my review!! You're not listening and I feel disrespected. You could've been entering your shipping address and credit card info by now you lazy bum! Ya wanna act? Okay, your character is shopping for a book by Judy Kerr... ACTION!!!

The back cover of this book has a very good summary of what its all about: 'Where to Go, Who to Call, What to Spend, What Not To Do!' Acting is a really hard business. The hints & tips, things that work & those that don't, will become well known to you after a time. But when you are new and trying to break into the biz the more of these things you know the more time you'll save.

One point she makes I'd do differently. She says that it's a good idea to participate in theater and theater groups. Truth, absolute truth. Unfortunately it's not that easy. In your home town, the little theaters needed and probably eventually used everyone who showed up for the auditions. In New York and LA, it's just about as hard to get into an 'amateur' production as it is a professional one. There are so many 'currently unemployed' who want to be on stage that it's difficult. Solution - start your own. Perform in your church, or the Y, or the back room of a restaurant. Just do it. As she says, you never know who will be in the audience.

Finally, the title of the book just about says it all -- Acting is Everything. Acting is not something that you want to do, it's something you have to do. Use the book as you can, but go for it.

Having already owned the hugely inspiring and knowledgable Acting is Everything book which helped me tremendously with my move to Los Angeles from Australia, I was delighted to see the latest "gold edition" which is just as wonderfully encouraging, informative and packed with even more knowledge. Anytime I was feeling lost in my career, this book renewed my faith.

Joanne Rose
www.joannerose.com

There is no greater source book out there. For actors and other industry professionals, "Acting Is Everything" is a magnificent compendium of information covering all aspects of pursuing your acting career - from arriving in LA, to agents and managers, to your pictures - and it's wrapped up with motivational and inspiring advice. I have been recommending this book to not only actors but all entertainment professionals that I speak to including seminar attendees, my UCLA Extension students, and my own clients. Owning this book is like having a professional adviser at home with you 24/7.

It's simple: this is BY FAR the most constructive, step-by-step, easy to apply, and effective book I've read in regards to ACTUALLY WORKING as an actor. Bonnie has an ingeniously funny, yet professional, way of phrasing her sagacious advice for us. Thank you for putting it all into one little bound piece of gold!

Being the parent of a young actor, this book is a priceless addition to my library. I can not say enough good things! If you are an actor, and if you only buy one book this year, make it this one!

If you are an actor, regardless of how many other 'how to' books you've got on your book shelf, this is a book that you NEED. It's well written, to the point, and Bonnie "gets" it. Follow Bonnie's tried and true advice, and you'll "get it", too! Bonnie's writing is upbeat, positive, supportive, and clever. Invest in this book ~ it's sure to become one of your favorites.

This book literally changed my approach to my acting career. It is so chock full of great advice and insider information that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't read it right now!

Self-Management is THE BEST book out there teaching you step-by-step the ins and outs of selling yourself as an actor. Bonnie Gillespie makes Hollywood (and other markets) accessible for not only newbie actors, but for veterans of the industry as well.

READ THIS BOOK, you can thank me (and Bonnie) later!

Written by casting director, career consultant, and former actor Bonnie Gillespie, Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business is a straightforward guide to managing one's own career as an actor, whether for more control over one's offers, save money, or other reasons. Now in an updated second edition, Self-Management for Actors covers the necessary mindset to be one's own acting career management; the preparations and training that will be useful; how to smoothly interact with other people in the trade such as agents, casting office personnel, and publicists; how to fit in time and energy for "survival jobs" that keep a steady income; and much more. Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, Self-Management for actors is strongly recommended reading for aspiring actors, even for those who don't plan to represent themselves, since any actor's current representative could choose to leave or unfortunately be fired at any day.

Today even well trained actors balk at having to do Shakespeare. This book provides the tools necessary to bridge the daunting task of getting your mouth around the words and understanding what you are saying. Thanks to the authors for creating a book that captures their extensive knowledge and expertise in a user friendly volume.

Beyond the pronunciation dictionary, essential to every North American actor and director of Shakespeare, the book's notes on scanning Shakespeare's verse set forth briefly in ten clear pages, not extended pedantic garble, what an actor must know, since scansion may dictate pronunciation. The additional notes on dialects, accents, Latin and other foreign languages used by Shakespeare, and the observations on differences in poetic diction in each of his plays, also have great value.

This is as essential a tool for any actor performing Shakespeare as the voice, body and mind! I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about their craft.

GREAT FIND!! Any and every word Shakespeare ever wrote is in this book with the proper pronounciation. This is a "must have" for any Shakespeare actor, or for someone who wants to read Shakespeare and know exactly how to say every word. Also, the verse speaking techniques are excellent. If you are serious about Shakespeare, get this book!

This incredibly thorough and efficient book is essential to any person who wishes to study or truly appreciate Shakespeare. I've been an actor and a student of English literature for many years, but I did not have the access to or admiration for classical works that I have gained since using Younts' and Scheeders' text.
The poetry is better this way! You need to know how to say it if you want to perform it! Actors, Directors, and Lovers of Shakespeare, GET THIS BOOK!!!

Childish Things by Brian Naranjo portrays the thoughts and memories of what goes through every kid's head that is about to depart the civilian world and enter the demanding duties of the military. While reading this book all I could think about was how well I could relate to the main character, Kevin, and what exactly he was going through in his hotel. And even to Eugene, Kevin's cousin and best friend, and the all the crazy plots he thought of.

If you enjoy books that make you laugh, gasp, and even make you tear up, I highly suggest this book to you. It is one of those books that you pick up, and never put down. And once you finish it you want to read it again.

I absolutely loved the book. I couldn't stop reading it. I loved the story, it made me feel like I was a kid again along with the characters in all their adventures. I highly recommend this book.

Once I got home with the book I couldn't put it down. Although it's supposed to be fiction, the author's emotions come through loud and clear and I believe he is writing from the heart. The book is so descriptive of young boys lives and the deep bond that exist between them. Tremendous effort for a first time author. Highly recommend the book to everyone.

What a great book.! This book is a real page turner. You will not want to put it down once you begin reading it. I could actually see with my minds eye, all of fun, trouble, and pranks they were doing. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to laugh or cry tears of happiness. Thank you Brian, for sharing your cousin's life events with us.

God Bless you as you continue your career in the U.S. Navy.

Simply put, I think this is the best first novel I've ever read.

I don't know just how autobiographical the book is, but it certainly matches what I and a lot of men went through at one time in our young lives. Even though Mr. Naranjo is young enough to be my kid, I had the same feelings, the same thoughts, the same fears.

It's a coming of age story. Specifically it's the story of a young man who is leaving home for essentially the first time and going off to Navy.

As I've grown older I recognize just how well the military understands young men. Of course they've been working on the problem since the Greeks invented the phalanx a couple of thousand years ago.

This story is not about military training, it's about young men. The author understands them as well as does the military, and he writes with clarity and understanding that the military does not.

Highly recommended.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare is an ingenious play. It is spontaneous and hilarious! If you're into Shakespeare, you'll love it. If you don't care for him because he was the reason you failed high school English, you'll still love this play!

I have seen productions of this play several times and each time it's hilarious! Now reading it I realize what geniuses the Reduced Shakespeare Company are - especially the writers Jess Borgenson, Daniel Singer and Adam Long! The book is worth it's price just for the footnotes. Their clever, witty, and yes - bawdy (Shakespeare would have been proud!) humor is priceless!

I am a high school drama teacher, and we bought copies of the Compleat Works of William Shakespeare Abridged for classroom use. They have been delightful to use, and perfectly correllating with the Reduced Shakespeare Company DVD that we have enjoyed in the past. The best part of all is how the kids retain the recognition of lines and scenes, even when we are viewing or reading other versions of his works. They love getting in front of the class and working up these zany parodies of the classics. I rate it 5 out of 5!!

Absolutely Hilarious! I would love to go see this play, however the book has annotations that are priceless, so you won't want to miss this either. You won't be able to put this down.

I bought this to decide whether or not to audition for a part in a local theater group performing the play. I didn't audition because I was on the opposite side of the atlantic ocean at the time, but five stars without question. The Reduced Shakespeare Company does a hilarious job of telling every single shakespeare play faster than ever before. Read this play!

I really loved this book by Desi Arnaz. I recommend "Love Lucy" by Lucille Ball to go with it. I have that one also and love it as well.

This is a wonderful book! I read it in a weekend; I could not put it down. No one gives Desi enough credit for all he's done. He was very creative and innovative! I feel like he is the Godfather of modern TV: how it's written, filmed, produced, cast, marketed etc... He set the bar so high, no one in TV history will surpass his genius and his wonderful work.
This book gives insight to his personal life too. Because of the way it is written and the language used, it feels like Desi is there talking with you and telling his story. Much of the book is about before he marries Lucy, and the story continues though to 1960 after their divorce. He said that he had enough meterial written for a second publication that would be titled "Another Book". But sadly it was never developed or published; I wish I could have read about his older years too.
To understand someone is to love them, and this book makes you Love Desi!

Back in 1957 when Dad bought our first tv, there was a big battle about where it should go. Mom won the battle to keep it out of the living room and it was relegated to a tiny room near the bathroom on the first floor of our humble abode in Small Town, Wisconsin. Mother placed an unruly philodendron on top of it to hide it as best she could and, seldom to return, she left the room to my brothers and me. I Love Lucy was already in reruns, although I think it was still in its Monday night primetime slot as well. The show was on a lot because it was the only thing in reruns and I loved it! Reading Desi Arnaz's book brings those days back for me. Desi takes the reader along from his days as a conga boy for Xavier Cugat, through his tumultuous relationship with Lucille Ball. Along with insights into their personal lives, Desi relates (in an almost conversational writing style) how the show came to be produced and filmed almost by accident. Included are fun anticdotes about casting Vivian Vance and William Frawley as neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz. Perhaps most fun in Desi's waltz down memory lane is his reminiscing about specific key episodes with stars of the day like John Wayne, William Holden, Harpo Marx and Bob Hope. It's hard to imagine today the impact that I Love Lucy had on our lives way back then. Lucy and Desi were everywhere in the media and when Ball and Arnaz announced that they were splitting up (and that the show was ending), people felt really bad for them, myself included; Everybody loved Lucy. I still love Lucy, especially after reading this, Desi's wonderful, heartfelt memoir.

I got this book and could not put it down! So much is said about Lucy (and she was talented)but with Desi and his input she was brilliant! I felt as if I was sitting and listening to a man..replay his life. It reads like a conversation! I only wished he could have done a second book! If you get the chance don't miss this book! It made me love Desi even more.

Throughout the pages of this book, one gets the impression that Desi really did love Lucy and she loved him, but they seemed to be one of those couples that could not live together. He was a philanderer and she had a hot temper and that (apparently) made for some rough living.

The singular most interesting fact from this book that I will probably never EVER forget is this: After Desi and Lucy were divorced, he called her every night for the rest of his life. They were more than lovers, they were best friends and it seems that the relationship continued, even after the marriage ended.

This book is really a manuscript-length tribute to Lucille Ball. Desi's love and admiration for her shines through its many pages. He is kind to her in this memoir and unlike the poison-pen style of today's celebs, it seems that Desi just wanted the world to know that Lucy really was the amazing, interesting and gifted soul she appeared to be.

It also has some fascinating insights and background about the program and its sequels. Plus, if you want to know the scoop about William Frawley and Vivian Vance (Fred and Ethel), it's all in these pages. Those two really did NOT like each other.

I bought this book (used, cheap) and my little paperback copy arrived tattered and worn , but I couldn't stop reading it. Very well written, very interesting and a real tribute to the star of "I Love Lucy."

Much has already been said about the quality of the book. I personally find that the book is a due tribute. I also must say that I have not found something on Kubrick of comparable depth.

On the content side, I would have liked to see more info on the projects that were not realized, especially on "Napoleon". And I didn't find a lot of value on the CD, since it's a spoken track instead of some audiovisual material. Nevertheless, as I said before, I haven't been able to find anything comparable to this book on Kubrick. The written material is of excellent quality, as are the pictures and graphics.

I see that Taschen is issuing a new version for it's 25th anniversary. As I understand it, it will be out on Oct/2008.

In conclusion, I am the proud and happy owner of an excellent piece of work.

I have been a Kubrick fan since I was 7 and saw "Paths of Glory" - it was the only film I ever saw that I NEEDED to know who directed it, and, what other movies of his were out there. That was 30 years ago, and I still keep all his films seperate from anything else in my collection! This book is simply INCREDIBLE! Buy it if you can.....no true Kubrick fan should be without this......it is MIND BLOWING! A true work of art covering the work of a true artist. We will not see Stanley's talent and caliber in any other film maker, at least not in my lifetime. Bravo, Stanley!

If it wasn't for its hefty weight, the book is one of the items I'd take with me if my house was on fire - without hesitation. I can't even imagine how long it took for the Taschen team to assemble this incredible book; it tries to do justice to recollect Kubrick's body of work in the form of a portable archive. Seeing this book in person is an experience in itself. The conceptual design is simply impressive: details like the texture of the binding mimicking that of a real archive is a start.

A CD of a rare uncut interview with Stanley Kubrick included in the book is a real gem. The interview takes place during Kubrick's career in its earlier years, and it provides an insight of the director that no other text interview has been able to accomplish - precisely for the reason that you hear Kubrick's voice and his unfiltered opinions. Then, of course, you have a piece of 2001's film strip as an added bonus. It's just too much for a book! And I say that gratefully.

The first part of the book is filled with glossy stills of all the films made by Kubrick. It's nice, and glossy, but the real reason I purchased this book is for part two.

Part two, or "The Creative Process", is filled with a lot of archival materials for each of Kubrick's films - especially pre-production materials: production notes, correspondences, and etc. You learn a lot about how Kubrick prepares for his films by seeing just a tiny fraction (undoubtedly) of what he does before he actually goes into production - it is one of the reasons that explain the long intervals between the director's releases. In addition, the book has an extensive collection of interviews with the director from various sources. But it is little treasures like the former that make this book special.

If you are a serious fan of the master director that is Stanley Kubrick, this is the next thing to have in your possession after the DVDs. Taschen made a serious effort in paying homage to Kubrick's work as a book publisher, and they have succeeded. They could've made a lazy effort in disguise to simply profit off of Kubrick's name, but they didn't, and for that they have my respect.

Amazon now has this book available for pre-order for an October 1, 2008 release date, for $44.10 from a $70 retail cost. Look under 'The Stanley Kubrick Archives [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)'. I would like information on book dimensions as the first print run was on average 40 by 30cm.

Lucky me! I scored a copy of this and I have to say it is the best book on a film artist I've ever seen. The previous reviewers weren't kidding--this thing is huge! Too large and heavy to be read anywhere but on a large flat surface, but that's not a complaint, unless you're lugging it across an airport like I did.

A spectacular book that you'll refer to repeatedly. I pored over it for hours. The first half is devoted to an incredible array of pristine stills from each film. The second half is focused on every film with a plethora of on-set photos and interviews with cast & crew. The book is helpfully tabbed by film.

A stunning look into one of the greatest of all filmmakers. So well designed that my friends were awed by its beauty. And that 70MM film strip--holy cow! IMHO, it's worth the price for just for that.

I love this series, this character, and had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it left me a little disappointed.

This book spends a lot of time following Mark, Miless' clone, instead of Miles himself. This includes almost the entire third act of the book. Miles is what makes this series interesting, and Mark is a poor substitute. The underdog outsmarting his opponent and the charm with which Bujold writs the character is what makes this series shine. With that missing, this is closer to run of the mill sci-fi then great sci-fi.

The story itself is interesting, and there is enough mystery and intrigue to hold the readers attention. This book also has the best small unit action of the whole series. It is fast past, well executed, and has a true feel to it.

While this book has its problems, and is a bit of a let down as the series goes, it is still a quality read and worth picking up if you follow the series.

I write this review having read this sometime ago. The whole way the author treats this 'brother' issue in this and later books is simple superb.

Needless to say, the brother is the exact opposite of Miles in so many ways - and tantalizing similiar. The author develops this dichotomy very well and uses it to very entertaining effect during the reading.

Must read book. The only down note is that it seems the author has exhaused the Vorkosigan theme - all good things must come to an end sadly.

One deadsicle, one schizo.


Mark impersonates his brother to take the Free Mercs off on a liberation mission. A bit of an understatement to say this doesn't go well. The original version is killed and frozen, and Mark is tortured until his not so stable personality fragments into many.

The M & M show has to someone get out of this and wreak some havoc on bad Barons.

I came late to this series, and had serious doubts about all the awards its author has won after reading Shards of Honor. Luckily, I bought the 2-in-1 "Cordelia's Honor" and forged ahead anyway into Barrayar. Wow. Now that was worth the praise. Then I advanced to Warrior's Apprentice and was further amazed. Could the author continue to churn out action packed smartly written comedy slash adventure slash dramas? She can. She has. Sure there are dips. I found Cetaganda a bit lifeless. But the other books are predominantly very strong and impressive.

Mirror Dance is the culmination of all that came before. Seeing the Vorkosigan's from Mark's perspective is like meeting them all over again. Watching him become human in the face of his newfound family's integrity and acceptance is incredibly moving. I can't lavish enough praise on this series or this book.

Not without suprsie I read the previous reviews. Personally I did not like the last three novels : "Mirror Dance", "Brother in Arms" and "Borders of Infinity" as much as the novels in the "Young Miles" book. It seemed to me that inadvertently Bujold's interest to moral dillemmas started to influence too much of the story and characters. I remember how one of my school teachers was telling us how Pushkin ( the author of "Evgenii Onegin" ) was distraught that his characters could not fall in love. To me this is an example how author remains loyal to the world of characters he creates and follows the logic of his own creation.
It also feels sometimes that Bujold falls somewhat victim to romanticising the brutal, ruthless world of Nexus monopolies, intelligencies and political intrigues that she had created herself). For example , suddenly Barrayran Chief Security ( who is described as one of the most feared and paranoid persons in the "mean" society of Mile's home planet) suddenly becomes soft and sentimental and lets Mark just off the hook. It appears that Bujold feels too conflictual about hurting more an "innoncent prey" of sadisctic Kommaran revolutionary.
-But what about the security risk?
-Yeah, but Mile's mother would not want that to happen to the clone of her son ( I think Bujold identifies with the Countess). Of course you could argue both ways.
Again,I would give away my left hemisphere for the poetic beaty of Bujold's right but, but .... I hope to see more "war hawkish" elements in the future novels.

The Theatrical Juggernaut is by far the most common sense, cut-to-the-chase, practical book in the entertainment industry. Period. No if's, and's, or but's about it. If you are ready to take control of your career and hold yourself accountable to your choices in this industry, then buy this book. Monroe delivers information in this book that you can objectively apply to your career....what a concept!! I have not read another book claiming to be about "acting" that has done that yet. So as the book suggests, stop blaming others, create your own breaks, put the odds of success in your favor and order this book. There will be zero percent cognitive dissonance(a feeling of having made the wrong decision)after buying this book. Don't invest another dollar into your career until you have bought and read this book, and then read it again.

The Theatrical Juggernaut is not only one of the most inspirational books any actor can read these days, but the pieces of advice dispensed by Monroe Mann, are really proved to work in the hard and unpredictable business of professional acting. I'm a living proof of it.
I am an actor who has succeeded and risen to the top of the voice-over business in Brazil and I've used almost every advice from the book, but BEFORE it got written! The actions mentioned in the book are mostly the ones I took to succeed in the beginning of my career and some others are procedures I still practice, up to today. Not to mention many other "techniques" I learned from Mr. Mann and intend to start using soon. I wish this book were available 12 years ago, when I started in the business. This way I wouldn't have had to figure everything out by myself and would probably have had more energy to get where I got faster. It was so much fun to read that I spent 8 straight hours in the tub (where I do most of my reading) and only got out when my wife barged into the bathroom saying: "Honey, get out of there or you're gonna turn into a raisin".
I recommend it to any fellow actor trying to make it out there and even to those seasoned professionals like me who have already gotten their share of success and intend to keep the good times rolling.

I was surprised at how much I liked this book. It was a quick read, very conversational in style. But, it shook me. I was embarrassed that I was not doing all I could for my career. It was the kind of tough-love scolding you can only get from someone who cares. It inspired me to get off my lazy butt to go and take some action.

I live in Brazil, where everything related to filmmaking is so hard. The bussiness is very small compared to Hollywood, but people still can work and be sucessful in this filed in this country. All they have to do is work five times harder and they will make it!

Also very well writen, and easy to read!

The Best book ever!! Monroe Mann's book really just gives you the kick you need as an Actor.I have read this book several times and it has helped my career and my outlook on not just being an artist but a professional performer.I recommend this book for everyone to read!!