Dance A While: Handbook for Folk, Square, Contra, and Social Dance / Edition 9

by Anne M. Pittman

Overview

Dance A While is a classic in the field of recreational dance. The Ninth Edition of this best-selling introduction to dance uniquely combines dance instruction, descriptions of major forms of dance, and directions for more than 260 individual dances, providing ample information for readers and giving future dance instructors the background they need to be successful teachers. The cultural background of international dances is presented, along with specific suggestions for developing style. A free accompanying CD provides the perfect music for reader practice. History, Effective Group Instruction, Dance Fundamentals, American Dance Sampler, Square Dance, Contra Dance, International Folk Dance, Social Dance. For all readers interested in learning the basics of recreational dance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900805321813
Publisher:	Benjamin Cummings
Publication date:	07/28/2004
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	592
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)
Language:	English, Middle (1100-1500)

Table of Contents

	Foreword	xiii
	Preface	xiv
	Acknowledgments	xv
1	History	1
	The Beginning	1
	Forms	2
	Music	2
	Cultural Significance	3
	Dance in Today's World	4
2	Effective Group Instruction	6
	Why Dance?	6
	Purpose of Dance	7
	Facilities	7
	Equipment	7
	Music	9
	Planning Instruction	11
	Orientation to the Dance Class	16
	Class Procedure	19
	Organizing Special Activities	25
3	Dance Fundamentals	27
	Rhythm and Meter	27
	Analysis of a Basic Rhythm	31
	Fundamental Locomotor Movements	32
	Basic Dance Steps	37
	Suggestions for Teaching Basic Dance Steps	40
	Procedure for Teaching Basic Dance Steps and Turns	41
	Dance Formations	47
	Music in Relation to Dance	48
	Dance Style	50
	Dance Positions	53
4	American Dance Sampler	59
	Dances from the European Courts to the American Ballrooms	60
	The Unique Contributions of African Americans	60
	The Spanish-Mexican Influence	61
	Dances of the People	61
	Music	62
	Dress	63
	A Social Occasion	63
	Revival of Folk Traditions	63
	The Melting Pot versus Ethnic Identity	64
	A Selection of American Dances	64
	Clogging	75
	Cajun Dance	100
	Line Dances	105
	Plain and Novelty Mixers	111
	Country Western Dance	122
5	Square Dance	137
	History	137
	Square Your Sets	144
	Styling	151
	Teaching Approaches	151
	Mixers for Square Dance	152
	Basic Movements	154
	Square Dances: Patter and Singing Calls	168
	Patter Calls	171
	Singing Calls	180
6	Contra Dance	187
	History	187
	Contra Dance Basics	190
7	International Folk Dance	233
	Introduction	233
	Folk Dance Movement	233
	Understanding Folkways Enhances Dance	237
	Africa	239
	Alpine Region: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany	247
	Balkan Countries	266
	British Isles	284
	Canada	303
	China	307
	Czech Republic and Slovakia	312
	France	316
	Guam
	Hungary	331
	Israel	338
	Italy	349
	Japan	354
	Lithuania	358
	Mexico	361
	Philippines	375
	Poland	380
	Romania	385
	Russia	392
	Scandinavia	397
	South America	416
8	Social Dance	419
	Introduction	419
	Teaching Social Dance	422
	Style of Social Dance	424
	Dance Positions	426
	Appendixes
Appendix A	Periodicals	525
Appendix B	Organizations and Resources	526
Appendix C	Record, CD, Cassette, and Video Sources--Distributors and Producers	529
Appendix D	Instructional Aids--Music and Videos	532
Appendix E	Internet Resources	536
	Bibliography	537
	Glossary	545
	Index of Mixer and Nonpartner Dances	560
	Index of Folk dances	561
	Subject Index	563
	Music to Accompany Dance A While and Notes Dance A While CD	571
	Index of Dances	575