Dance Books

I bought this book because my little brother decided that he wanted to enter this crazy industry and become an actor. I bought it because it never hurts to have a guide to look back at, plus, maybe there was some info in regards to kids that I already did not know. This is a great book. That only reason I gave it a four is because I did not really learn something new, but then again, I plan on working in the entertainment industry once I graduate so I already know alot in regards to breaking into it. But it is a great book. Also, it's an easy ready. Seriously, I read it in less than 45 minutes (and that's with me watching tv at the same time).

I Have been in show buisness for over 20 years, and my greatest fear has always been parents [paying too muchy for] acting teachers, photograghers and agents. This book will prevent that from happening. And save you many hours of frustration and regret. If your starting out, and even if you've been at it a while, this book is a MUST. Simple and straight forward.

As the mother of a young performer and a producer and performer myself, I am familiar with all the pitfalls, perils and pluses of having a child in "the biz". Lucia has accurately addressed the most important issues and then some. This is a MUST READ for anyone contemplating getting their child started in the business. Run, do not walk and buy this book. This book is easy to understand and covers all the major topics needed to make good decisions. Thank you Lucia it is about time someone wrote this book!!

This great "how to" book provides the information you need to get your children into show business. Clear, succinct information....and forms to walk you through your own experience.

This is a great resource for parents whose kids are eager to tap into their talents. In detailed and nicely organized chapters, it covers everything from how to deal with your child's aspirations and dreams in the business world to how to find and deal with representation. It's comprehensive, easy to follow and most importantly, stresses the "fun" factor for kids. Stage moms beware! This is a MUST READ for every parent with a future star in the family or a very expressive child.

A series of questions guides you through a step-by-step discovery of the hows and whys of your approach to acting, exposing the "Hidden Acting Agendas"--those inner, emotional issues that sometimes keep even the most experienced actors from doing their best work. As an acting teacher, I find that this is an area often neglected in books about acting, usually only referred to when discussing "stage fright". Bill Howey's book offers a much deeper exploration of the causes without requiring you to be a psychotherapist. It's a resource I refer to again and again.

What I love about THE ACTOR'S MENU is that even after you've read it from cover to cover, you can go back to individual sections and target specific acting problems as they occur. As a director, I'm always looking of practical ways to communicate to actors how to make adjustments without forcing them "into their head." Bill Howey addresses acting problems in straightforward, no-nonsense, practical ways, without all the usual acting jargon found in so many acting books. And the most refreshing thing about it, is that it works!!!

As an acting coach, I'm always looking for the clearest, most jargon-free way to help actors find their way to their most personal work. The Actor's Menu is imminently practical and so always useable. From the questionnaire at the front of the book through the end, Bill Howey helps the actor talk to him- or herself genuinely and effectively, without any BS. The litmus test always comes back to whether the actor was able to bring themselves fully into their work. The result from a watcher's point of view is acting that touches us and is compelling to watch. I've recommended The Actor's Menu to all of my actors and it's provided us with a framework for communicating that's helped me teach and helped them learn. That's what you need a book to do.

This is one of the most unique and helpful books I've ever read on the art and craft of acting. It has great insight and very useful advice on the process of becoming a character. This guy writes with a clarity and directness you don't often find in acting books. I've recommended this book to new actors and experienced pros looking for fresh approaches. Some of the material on personal traits that get in the way of good acting is especially helpful to get out of ruts and take the next step up in exercising your talent.
I've been re-reading sections of the book lately to help me with auditions, and with my work on a character in an Albee play I just got cast in.

The Actor's Menu by Bill Howey truly breaks down the essential ingredients required for a tasty performance! Using a menu motif, Howey shows the actor how to bring out the unique qualities that reside deep within each actor, and blend them into performances worth watching. He gives guidelines to help one make choices that resound with authenticity and power. Easy to read and thought-provoking, The Actor's Menu is much more than fast food; it's a complete meal!

An educational and informative discourse on a key aspect of african-american folk music brought to life by the first person reminiscences of the children of black slaves. This book ensures that their lives and stories do not disappear into the sands of time. Although the banjo is the central topic of this book, it is really the framework to tell the stories of the black banjo songsters. All in all a good read.

I have only recently began playing the banjo and feel this book has taken me 100% closer to being the well rounded musician I aspire to be. If you are interested in history, music, and the banjo this is where to start!

Today, there is a greater awareness of the fact that the banjo, so often identified as an American original, is in fact of African descent. Yet, with the exception of Dena Epstein's and Paul Oliver's pioneering research, there's has been little in the way of literature devoted specifically to the subject of the banjo's African and African-American heritage.

Cecelia Conway's AFRICAN BANJO ECHOES IN APPALACHIA fills this frankly embarassing void in banjo literature. Ms. Conway is a folklorist who, back in the 1970s, had done field work in the North Carolina Piedmont documenting some of the last bearers of the centuries-old African-American folk banjo tradition. In the beginning of the book, she introduces us to venerable African-American traditional musicians, whose music predates the blues and jazz, such as Dink Roberts, John Snipes and Joe and Odell Thompson (of all the aforementioned, fiddler Joe Thompson is the only one left to carry on the tradition, which he still does with great vigor and determination). From there, Ms. Conway launches into a fascinating, scholarly exploration of the history and evolution of the banjo.

This leads to the thorny issue of just how the banjo-- now considered, along with the fiddle and mountain dulcimer, to be the quintessential musical manifestation of white Appalachia-- was introduced and absorbed into the folk culture of the European-American communities of the Southern Mountains. Ms. Conway, in true scientific fashion, utilizes the historical record and empiric evidence to boldly challenge the conventional suppositions of her fellow scholars and folklorists, such as Robert Winans, Alan Lomax and Tony Russell, that the banjo entered the remote white southern mountain communities after the Civil War via traveling Minstrel shows and returning veterans. I'll leave you to read the book for Ms. Conway's theory on the subject.

All in all, AFRICAN BANJO ECHOES is well-researched, well-documented and well-written with loads of great illustrations. It would be a worthy addition to any library. I highly recommend it not just to devotees of the banjo and old-time music, but to anyone interested in the evolution of American folk culture and pop music.

i HAD JUST handed in my MFA thesis to be published. I realized library priviledges I had had for 12 years would be gone in a couple weeks, I went to the music section of the FIU library and bumped into this book. I loved it, it loved me. I read it straight through--didnt go to work the next day. I have been studying and playing traditional American music for 40 years, and this is one of the best books on any level I have ever read. Ater talking about picking up the banjo for 40 years, I bought one right after I read this book and have bought another since.

So much of history and opinion about popular music is just congealed prejudice and wishful thinking. This is science and real life. The banjo is an African instrument, the traditional way of playing it is the African way of playing it. Not to speak of the non traditional post WWII guitar influenced Bluegrass way which simply adds as many blue and blues notes into the music as can be found.

What romanced me in this book is her interviews with African American banjo players from North Carolina and Virgina--some of whom have passed on since the book came out. The Photographs in there are great too.

Cece Also made a movie of these guys that was shown back when the book first came out. While it has been out of circulation for years, she will be showing it at the April 7-10 2005 Black Banjo Then and Now Gathering at Appalachian State College in Boone North Carolina.

You see that scene in the library was 6 years and three banjos ago. The book and the recordings and other development have brought many African American artists back to the banjo and back to the roots players that inspired Cece's book. Earlier this year (2004), I launched Black Banjo Then and Now, a group on Yahoo that carried forward where this book leaves off. We gather together Black banjoists from around the country, many scholars of the banjo including Cece, and folks of many types who honor or are interested in the Black legacy of the instrument. You might want to join us.

But back to this book: Buy it, give it to your friends, make sure every library has this book, make sure this book is taught in the schools, This is it!

Cecelia Conway and Scott Odell should be awarded an enormous fellowship from the MacArthur or Guggenheim folks for additional research. This book merits a readership among anyone who so much as owns a "banjer." The accompanying CD (called "Black Banjo Songsters" and available on the Smithsonian/Folkways label) is a bit academic in its notes and its repetition of songs, but hearing the likes of John Snipes and Dink Roberts go to town is thrilling.

Al Tompkins scores with a practical guide to make pictures and words compelling, even for a novice TV reporter.

Al Tompkins just gave a great presentation at RTNDA on how to find information on the internet. The seminar was filled with humor, insight, and just plain useful information. This book has a similar feel, like advice from someone who wants you to succeed. If a lot of young people read this book (along with some older journalists), perhaps journalism won't be in quite the spot it finds itself in.

I've worked as a tv reporter for nearly 21 years...16 years in Portland, Oregon. This is by far one of the very best books I've read on the art of writing for tv news. I found it useful after reading the very first page. Tompkins uses clear, concrete examples to illustrate his points which instantly made me a better writer. Its refreshing to think about our craft with new insight on the purpose and focus of each story. I've urged all the producers and reporters in our newsroom to get and read this!

I purchased this book to help teach high school students how to write for broadcast, and the lessons Tompkins gives are valuable for students and professionals. Tompkins shows the process behind the writing and the factors a reporter should consider, such as when less writing is more. The book is funny, entertaining, and touching at the same time. He gives many specific examples, including exerpts from scripts, that show the detail and the planning behind the writing. It changes the viewer's perspective on the television news, and it certainly could help professionals refine their writing for broadcast.

Mr. Tompkins' book was the reason I got my first job coming out of college. The first two stories I put on my resume tape were heavily influenced by the things I read in 'Write for the ear, shoot for the eye, aim for the heart.'

Al explains things so that you not only understand how to do the things we do, but also why we do the things we do. I still keep the book on my desk, and whenever my reporting gets into a rut, I haul out Al's book and re-read it. My next few stories are always better than my last few stories.

Excellent book. This is a must read for every violinist. However, as much as I admire his discussion of finger patterns I think that his nomenclature for the patterns is problematic and there are many very useful patterns that he does not describe.

ECS in Boston distributes it. A little research will track it down, Amazon's price isn't bad all things considered.

You don't have to pay $200 to $1,100 for it. :-)

I bought this on recommendation of a friend and wish I'd had it much sooner. It is good for adults or advanced students who need something to refer to during the week while practicing. It is not really a book for beginners or for people who aren't already motivated to practice. But it can definitely help make practicing more efficient and productive.

In his "The Art of Practicing the Violin" Robert Gerle offers expert and eloquent guidance to violinist, violist, and teacher. His personal attainments as a concert artist and his long experience as master teacher become most apparent as he zeros in on the player's problems and offers the best and exact help in a clear, easily understood, and musical solution. You will be eager to try out his powerful and appealing ideas. The book is a masterpiece!

I started studying the violin late in life when compared to 'early' starters. However, as a dedicated amateur musician I find the interesting but demanding task of understanding and practicing the violin much more managable with the help of Robert Gerle's expert practice tips and fingering methods. My understanding of the instrument's intrinsic dynamics has grown, and practicing the violin has become more productive in terms of technique improvement. Thanks Mr. Gerle!

This book is a well-written, exhaustively researched biography of a musical legend. It takes 586 pages to do justice to the 101-year-old icon, and will take a while to finish, however, AS THOUSANDS CHEER gives an honest, objective history of arguably the greatest American songwriter ever.

Have you ever wondered why "White Christmas", one of the best selling songs of all time was written by a Jewish man? "Easter Parade" was also written by the same man. He came to be known as the king of ragtime because of his first published song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band". Musically the songs could not have been different which makes Irving Berlin's career so impressive.
This book not only talks about Berlin's seemingly unending catalogue but also talks about the man. His contemporaries included George M. Cohan, Florence Zeigfield and George Gershwin. Berlin was not only the most prolific of all time but was a true gentleman. Even though he was never accepted by his father-in-law, he ended up supporting him in his final days.
At the end of this book I was more in love with his music and completely impressed with the man. This is a important look at a true American treasure.

This is a terrific show-biz bio that focuses on Berlin's career and tells enough about his personal life to satisfy those of us who remember how complex he was. There are many details of his projects on Broadway and in Hollywood, his publishing company, his early career as a singing waiter, and his tormented retirement. Anyone who likes the kind of anecdotes Moss Hart recounts in "Act One," anyone who is interested in the process of putting on shows and developing movies, will be fascinated by this. The book overflows with the larger-than-life personalities you expect from show business, and there are choice revelations (to me, at least), like his first encounter with George Gershwin, who as a very young man wanted to be Berlin's musical secretary but was rejected for being too talented (i.e., threatening).

The psychology (or psychosis?) of Berlin's genius is presented in a straightforward, non-babbling way. His complexity comes through in his ambivalence towards colleagues, with examples of generosity (an anecdote about the young Burton Lane), avuncularity (Harold Arlen), and rivalry (Richard Rodgers), all contrasted with the almost comical hostility he showed towards some "civilians," especially the scholarly types ("f***ing longhairs") who wanted to dissect him late in his career. His most famous paradox -- the fact that without being able to read music or play an instrument well or even sing decently, he was able to create works of matchless intricacy and depth -- is discussed thoroughly, although it will forever remain mysterious.

There are two dimensions I would like to have seen more fully explored. First, his relations with his original family are almost non-existent after his childhood. While this must be a reflection of reality, I was left curious about what went on between him and his sisters, nephews, and nieces. It's obvious that a major part of his assimilation was to reject all vestiges of his childhood, but it would have been nice to have more detail about encounters with those inconvenient relations. One of the few stories Bergreen includes -- about a sister dying of cancer -- is so painful that maybe he couldn't bring himself to pile on more.

Another aspect that could have been more developed was Berlin's technique. Although no one will ever be able to explain exactly why he's the greatest American songwriter, I would have liked more analysis about how he was able to achieve his unique combination of simplicity and sophistication. There is a total absence of musical examples, which might have two reasons: that publishers of musical bios tell their authors to leave notation out the same way authors of popular science books are prohibited from using equations, or that Berlin's estate forbids the quoting of even the smallest snippets of his songs. Or maybe the author isn't as much of a "longhair" as he seems to be from the precision and insight of his observations.

But even though I would have enjoyed reading more of the above, the book is totally splendid as is. The best compliment I can think of is that it does justice to one of the great artists of the 20th century.

I enjoyed Bergreen's book about Irving Berlin as I did his book on Al Capone. To think that all these great songs came from one man simply boggles the mind.

LAURENCE BERGREEN has done a terrific job in all departments. When you finish the book, you have a good idea of who IRVING BERLIN was, and what a life he had from singing waiter to AMERICAN's first great composer with JEROME KERN. Anyone interested in the story of AMERICAN music should read that book.

Looking for proper alignment, sequencing and Yoga philosopy all in one book? Look no further this book is for you.

A really intensive beginning guide for students so that they can improve their yoga through understanding (anatomy, philosphy, spirituality are all included). Well done Gregor.

ASHTANGA YOGA: PRACTICE AND PHILOSOPHY is the first of its kind covering all eight limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and comes from a yogi who describes its history, the basic movements, and posture using photos, written instruction and even anatomical illustrations. Details on myth and philosophy accompany insights on techniques and are accented with black and white photos throughout, making for an excellent pick for any new age collection.

In the western world, yoga is often viewed as a great way to exercise- perfect for flexibility and stress management. It is that. However, in our ignorance, we are only getting part of the benefits of this practice.

True yoga is not only about the physical positions it is also about the philosophy. Without the philosophy, the forms have no context or meaning. Moreover, without this balance, students may actually be causing themselves and their bodies harm.

Ashtanga Yoga is an important resource for anyone who wishes to practice yoga. It blends practice and philosophy together for fuller understanding. Some of the best extras in this book include photographs of each posture, colour illustrations of the muscle groups used in each movement, and line by line interpretation of the Yoga Sutra.

This is not just another 'how to do yoga yourself' book, but a thorough study of both the postures and philosophy of Ashtanga yoga. At a time when almost every well-known teacher has their own 'brand' of yoga, Mr. Maehle goes back to the source to both explain the foundation of the practice and the philosophy that supports the physical practice.
Almost all western practictioners come to yoga as a form of excerise and are unaware of the philosophy from which the physical practice developed. This book covers both in accessable language and explanation. Serious student will want to have this as a resource and serious Ashtangis will find it invaluable along with D. Swenson's Practice Manual. Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual: An Illustrated Guide to Personal Practice

I snagged this at our library on a whim but it has quickly become a favorite of mine! Our 2-yr-old loves it too. We have an older child as well so I especially enjoy the inclusion of a doting sibling in the story. What a delightful portrayal of the first year of life, discovering family relationships and physical development.

I also love how the passage of time is marked with seasons rather than cut-and-dried numbered months for each stage. This allows you to enjoy the natural progression without getting hung up on the standard age for each milestone. Both of our children are healthy, but our first was "early" and our second was "late" with most of these "firsts" and it's easy to become a little anxious at times because it's impossible not to compare and contrast with others! How great not to add that stress into a children's storybook!

The watercolor artwork is glowing and gorgeous - it makes you want to just sit and almost breathe it in - it could be framed for a nursery!

The text and changes in font size are expertly done to provide details yet highlight the basics for younger listeners. This would make a lovely baby shower gift. We've now run out of renewals at the library so it's going straight to her wish list so we can have it forever!

Captivating illustrations celebrate the first year of baby's life. Moments after birth, smiles and all the joyous experiences of discovery and accomplishment are revealed in sweet prose and illustrations on each breathtaking page. This book will gently tug at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever loved a baby.

This book is so sweet and beautifully illustrated; It was on a shelf at our local library in the "New Books" section. I picked it up to read to my 20 month old daughter and proceeded to burst into tears! This could have been written about her; all of baby's 1st year milestones are recorded in harmony with nature. It is a simple and charming story. I will buy this book and save it for my little girl - so she can read about herself when she is grown!

The book had beautiful illustrations and a wonderful storyline. It is a wonderful way to celebate a baby's first birthday.

I had four children over a period of ten years, when, frankly, it wasn't fashionable. Realising now that I and my wife have "done our bit" to raise the census count now, we tend to look back very rarely on that period when they were all crawling about or demanding room service...

It's rather sad that while that period is going on, you rarely find people who will barge into the house and actually tell you the truth - that in all this haze of nappies, late nights, worry, and occasional delight, that this period is unreplaceable, precious, and if you look out of the corner of your eye, more than wonderful. Babies are one thing, I guess according to one set of people, but a parallel reality grants them quite incredible powers - they are magical creatures, impossible, fantastic, wise, full of joy and splendour.

This book made me look in precisely that direction - towards the rather long time ago of my own tinies, and I was immensely moved by the memories I had put away of my babies learning every little ordinary thing. And the art is just right and it's all magic.

I had to look the other way, my eyes were rather wet when I finally looked away, and of course I bought it. I'm not sure why, because my babies are now quite big, but I caught my girls reading it, and perhaps it's going to be for their babies, one day in the far distance!

"Guide to working in Regional Theatre" has been quite inspiring as a young man trying to make my way in the world of theatre. The book is great and serves as a reminder as to why I fell in love with the theatre in the first place.

At last! A book for those of us disinclined to make Broadway or Los Angeles our theatre homes. Whoever said you can't make a living working in regional theatre...had obviously never read this book.

Dr. Volz's book is inspiring and knowledgeable; as a former managing director for the wildly successful Alabama Shakespeare Festival and president of Consultants for the Arts, you can be sure that the man knows EXACTLY what he's talking about!

This book and his other masterwork, How to Run a Theater: A Witty, Practical and Fun Guide to Arts Management have absolutely changed my life. I have been trained in the performing arts; now all I can think of is running my own company, and working in regional theatre.

Both books are inspiring, witty, fun reads. TRULY recommended. This reviewer has already worked for the Tony-award winning South Coast Repertory Theatre as well as having her own regional theatre projects financed by benevolent arts patrons...with no little help from the wisdom of Dr. Jim. :)

I have been searching for clues on how to break into the theatre industry, and Jim Volz tells you exactly how to break on through! He gives you the tools to overcome your fears, and the information that will get you that dream job. This book will change your life!

I am just about to graduate with a degree in theatre, most of the people I talk with (my parents included) don't think that people actually get paid to make theatre. But this book eliminates all their fears and mine too. I didn't really know where to start looking for jobs or interships Jim Volz's books gave me a start and actually did most of the research for me. I now have a stack of internship and job applications in progress and many sent off. I have already been offered two internships with a leading regional theatres in California.
This book is so much more that a vast resource to find jobs and learn about theatres, it also give thought provoking advice (from networking skills to understanding human behavior and more)and not just for working in the theatre but living life. A big plus is that amoung all the information are witty stories about life in the regional theatre from leaders in this field.
I am being completly truthful about this book changing my life, without it I would mostly likely be lost in the crazy expanses of the internet still searching for one percent of the information found in this book.

Anyone working in the theatre should own a copy of this book. As a theatre instructor and artistic director, it is so helpful to have a detailed and easy guide to assist my student actors. Very informative and inspirational!

My 4 year old daughter loves this book. She took it out of the library six times last year. Santa brought it for her this Christmas and she was thrilled until she noticed that some of the pages are out of order. Now we have to flip pages everytime we read the book to see the right pictures.

We've really enjoyed Peter Sis' book Madlenka, so when my young daughter became a "ballerina" getting this book was a natural. The illustrations are simple and yet so imaginative. This book truly inspires a young imagination. My daughter now dances in front of her mirror -- as the young ballerina in the book does. And thanks to this book my 3-year-old knows about classic ballets such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake! We have several ballet themed kid books and this one is by far the best.

I purchased this book for my two-year old "ballerina." She is learning her color words and this book is one of the reasons! She loves saying the book along with me (ex: "flutter" "dip" "twirl") and even gets inspired to do a few ballerina twirls of her own!!

Caution: extra energy required. Don't just sit and read this book to your child - perform it with her! My daughters and I love to "leap" and "twirl" and "dip" and "flutter" along with the main character, Terry. This is the perfect book for aspiring ballerinas. In fact, any child who loves music, loves to dance will love Ballerina! Peter Sis, illustrator of many children's books, has portrayed Terry in bold black and white strokes to complement his simple patterned text. Terry's imaginary prima ballerinas that appear in her bedroom mirror soar in contrasting color. He references several well-known ballets, such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Cinderella. Each graceful movement is accompanied by a different color of the rainbow. Applause! Applause!

Little Terry loves to dance and she practices everyday in front of the big mirror in her bedroom. She dons different costumes and watches herself as she twirls, leaps, dips, flutters and floats, in a pink tutu, red leotard, blue gown or yellow turban... And in the mirror, she watches a more mature and poised Terry dance..... Peter Sis has authored a simple, gentle story all budding ballerinas will love and want to imitate. On the left hand page, little Terry practices her steps. While on the right hand page, she watches herself as a more grown-up Terry dance, expertly. His minimal text is delightfully combined with charming and expressive line drawings with just a little color in all the right places. Perfect for pre-schoolers, Ballerina is a must have book for all those who love to dance.