Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 2; Original Published by: Chalif in 1915 in 277 pages; Subjects: Ballroom dancing; Performing Arts / Dance / General; Performing Arts / Dance / Popular; ... Read more

Product Description
This early work on dancing is a fascinating read for any dance enthusiast or historian, and contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Contents Include: Section One: Technical Terms and General Principles; Balance; Contrary Body Movement and Turns, Rises and Footwork, Sways; Technical Terms; Method of Describing and Teaching Steps; Quickstep; Waltz; Slow Fox-Trot; Tango; Accepted Variations: Quickstep; Waltz; Slow Fox-Trot; Tango; Rhythm Dancing; New Charleston; Rumba; Carioca; Teaching: General; Competition Couples; Professionals; Amateurs; Students; Classes-General, Professional, Amateur, Children; and Index.Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Product Description
This early work on dancing is a fascinating read for any enthusiast. Its 148 pages are extensively illustrated with diagrams and intended to help beginners and average dancers in particular to acquire a sound knowledge of ballroom dancing. Contents Include: Introductory Section; The Quickstep; The Waltz; The Foxtrot. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Product Description
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Product Description
Grab a partner, put on an elegant outfit, and show off your smooth moves on the ballroom floor. Ballroom Dancing will show you how each dance is unique, from the graceful, sliding moves of standard style to the sassy, flirty moves of Latin style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ballroom Dancing (Snap)
This book is a good addition to any library for older elementary age or middle school students.It might encourage a special, less traditional interest for some children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Narrative not Historical
This is not a book about ballroom specifically, but rather the life of a woman who dances.Not necessarily good for instruction or historical reference. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn more new steps for Ballroom, Latin, and Jive in this follow-up to The Joy of Dancing, with fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions.

You’ve learned the basics from The Joy of Dancing—now graduate to The Joy of Dancing: The Next Steps. Readers ready to learn more about Ballroom, Latin, and Jive will increase their skill and enjoyment by following Peggy Spencer’s easy instructions, with photos of professional dancers clearly illustrating each step. New steps are included for the Waltz, Foxtrot, Samba, Quickstep, Tango, Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba, and the Merengue, and along the way, there’s plenty of expert advice on how to enhance your dancing style. The book also includes Peggy Spencer’s personal tips on everything from fitness and clothing to music. Peggy Spencer has taught both beginners and top professional dancers for over fifty years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just OK
This book is pretty good at giving you the backgrounds of each type of dance, but following the steps is somewhat difficult. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Being a Woman can be tough!
Elizabeth Aldrich is an expert on the dance and social structure of the 19th century where cotillions, debutante balls, assemblies, etc. were when women set an impression upon possible suitors. Aldrich does an excellent job in explaining everything from manners to dance styles and music performed for the dances. Young women were expected to know the dances, wear white gloves, and act properly among the company of society. This book is great for people interested in dance, social structure, and life in the 19th century. It was not an easy life for women then or now. They were expected to wear oversized dresses, act properly, and get married to right the man. They didn't have the option of being independent. Women became nurses and teachers simply because they have too. Women's dependence on men is clearly important in understanding why women went to such great lengths of preparation and studies to help in securing a life with an eligible bachelor who could provide her future.

Bits and Snippits
Consists primarily of bits and snippits from Victorian American etiquette manuals.Some insights into high society life and how it changed through the course of the 19th century can be drawn, keeping in mind these were thesuggested forms of behavior not necessarily what was actually done.Thereis plenty to read between the lines.Some sheet music in included alongwith some dance steps.There are also recipes for makeup and concoctionsfor cleaning.Fashion descriptions are fairly superficial, but adequate. Over all, I'm glad I bought it.

A Superb ettiquitte manual
This book does indeed give the reeder a close look at the society and ettiquitte of this period. Since I was researching the Regency when I purchased it I was a little disapointed to find that it's focus isprimarily the latter part of the nineteenth century (1830-1890), and isbased primarily on American publications of ettiquitte manuals. I wasdelighted to discover a wealth of information about everything from dancesteps to party preperation to elaborate flirting rituals that can be cariedout with parasols and gloves. It certainly says everything Emily Post mighthave at that time as well as providing a vivid picture of society in abygone era. A must have for anyone enamored of the Victorian era andusefull still though slightly less relavent for Regency fanatics. ... Read more

Product Description

This two-volume set relates the history of the most popular social dances, where they began, which dances survived the test of time and why, and what attracted American men and women to social dancing in these periods. Unlike other books on social dancing that taught people How to Dance, this set not only describes the dances, but also how and why Americans danced. This two-volume set is the most comprehensive examination of American social dance from the first settlements in 1607 through the birth of the nation in 1776 and into the beginning of the 21st century. Social Dancing in America encompasses the global nature of the ethnic contributions to the formation of many unique American social dances. Those influences included American Indian, Spanish, Caribbean, African, European, and other ethnic cultures that created original American social dances such as the Lindy Hop, Rock 'n' Roll, the Twist, Disco, Breakdancing, and Hip-Hop. The set is also a celebration of the American spirit embodied among everyday individuals as they danced for fun, recreation, and family celebrations such as weddings.

Social Dancing in America places social dancing in a historical, social, cultural, and political context. Volume 1 explores the integral role that social dancing played in the lives of Americans from the first settlements in 1607 through the the 19th century, often in the most unlikely of ways. For example, readers may be surprised to learn that George Washington was a well-known aficionado of social dancing, and that he incorporated the etiquette and manners of dances such as the Minuet as a means of diplomacy to secure European allies during the Revolutionary War. After his death, Americans continued to celebrate his birthday with a grand ball that included dancing. Volume 2 places social dance in a 20th-Century context, illustrating how social dancing itself paralled the social, economic, and cultural traditions of each era. For example, segregation and the Jim Crow mentality was cemented in place all over the United States, and for much of the century, dancing and dance halls were strictly segregated. Segregation forced a mass migration north, and with it came the transformation of Delta Blues music into an American original—Jazz. Jazz gave birth to the Charleston, and later evolved into Swing, which created the Lindy Hop. Later, with the advent of television, programming such as American Bandstand, Soul Train, Dance Fever, and MTV greatly influenced dance styles and modern trends such as Rock 'n' Roll, Freestyle, Disco, Breakdancing, and Hip-Hop.

Customer Reviews (3)

One of a kind - but has its limitations
This is the only book (well, two-volume set) I know of that attempts to provide a comprehensive history of social dancing in the United States. For that reason alone, it is a must-have for social dance fanatics like myself despite the high price tag. It is a great reference book and provides interesting information on the cultural and historical background of each time period. It also provides some amusing trivia on the social dance practices in America before the 20th century. However, I found that this book was much better in covering the swing dances, which is probably natural given that the author's dance background is mostly in swing. Being a Latin dance enthusiast myself, I found the Latin dances were not adequately covered and in some cases were not a good reflection of the history and importance of these dances. Some of the most fundamental aspects of Latin dance history in the U.S. was left out; bachata, for instance, was not even mentioned. However, this two-volume set is a tremendous leap forward in providing a reference and resource for social dance lovers. For this, it is a must-have.

I Found This "GREAT" Review!
Lawrence Looks at Books: Gale Virtual Reference Library

Professional architect-turned-social historian Ralph Giordano has transformed his enthusiasm for dancing into an entertaining survey of this popular social activity. The author divides his history of American dance into 11 periods of varying length. He devotes the most detail to the twentieth century with essays describing periods from 10-20 years. For each chapter, an introduction details the chief political and social movements of the time. A second section enumerates and describes both styles and particular dances, frequently including specific steps. "Places to Dance," describes the settings where dances might occur from assembly rooms and cotillions to dance halls, discos and clubs. The encouragement of dance by developing media like film, radio and television is also described. The portrait that emerges is not simply a sketch of popular pastimes, but a narrative of debates over religious doctrines and changing mores, as well as the development of new means of communication, media and entertainment. From the Virginia reel, the waltz and the polka to the Charleston, the twist and breakdancing, each new dance and musical movement reflected changes in attitudes and cultural perceptions. Giordano captures both the enthusiasm and concern these changes caused a variety of people at many times in our history. His guide is well illustrated and his text makes frequent reference to sources listed in the wide-ranging general bibliography. Each volume is separately indexed and includes period-specific bibliographies. Supplementary materials include a filmography by type of dance plus a list of online dance manuals. This detailed survey will serve both academic and public libraries.

Author's Comments
As the author, I definitely wanted to write a scholarly contribution to the very much overlooked American cultural development of Social dancing, however, I wanted to present it in a writing style that would appeal to the average individual. I have discovered in my time within dance clubs, especially the swing dances, that many individuals enjoy dressing in period costume and are quite interested in the history of their favored dance style. So as it turns out, to date this is the first book of its kind that has put together both a general interest reader and a scholarly work that discusses social dancing in a complete social, cultural, economic, political, and historical context. Many social dance books of the period simply provided descriptions and step-by-step instructions on "how to dance" as opposed to why people dance. My book also provides a consistent theme that contemporary dances and the associated music and fashion were more often attacked by forces of social morality and often labeled the newest dance trend as "scandalous."

This book is not a book to teach people "How to Dance" there are literally thousands of publications and hundreds of dance studios available to do just that. This book is an attempt to provide a clear understanding of what was involved in the basic patterns and rhythms of the dance, the origins, the popularity, but most importantly to place each in a historical and social context. This book is about the dances themselves and their importance in a social context. Therefore, each chapter contains a brief introduction of the social, political, and cultural climate. The book is about how individual Americans; mainly couples interacted in a social dance setting.

REVIEWS: Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference
Ralph G. Giordano, 2 vols. Greenwood 2007 - ISBN 0-313-33756-X


"Giordano knows what he's talking about. . . . Throughout, the lucid and entertaining entries juxtapose sociopolitical events of the day, with their corresponding developments on the dance floor and elsewhere in the culture." Michael J. Fressola, Staten Island Advance, Sunday, February 04, 2007 Section D, p. 1.

"There are two good reasons to buy this book. First, it clearly fills a gap in the existing literature; second, the research that makes up the two volumes is both scholarly and carefully detailed....The work illustrates and illuminates how social dancing paralleled the social, economic, and cultural characteristics of each era....Social Dancing in America constitutes the most comprehensive examination of the subject available....Reference & User Services Quarterly Fall 2007

"Professional architect-turned-social historian Ralph Giordano has transformed his enthusiasm for dancing into an entertaining survey of this popular social activity. . . . The portrait that emerges is not simply a sketch of popular pastimes, but a narrative of debates over religious doctrines and changing mores, as well as the development of new means of communication, media and entertainment. . . . Giordano captures both the enthusiasm and concern these changes caused a variety of people at many times in our history."
Lawrence Looks at Books: Gale Virtual Reference Library, 2007. http://www.galegroup.com/reference/lawrence/200707/dancing.htm

"Social dancing has never enjoyed the cachet conferred on ballet or other theatrical dance forms, sometimes even when it comes to reference books. That is about to change with Giordano's comprehensive study of the subject spanning the centuries in the context of American social history. . . . The text is enlivened by numerous illustrations, including sheet music and dancing manual covers, contemporary images, and period photographs. . . . the general resurgence of interest in ballroom dancing make this straightforward, detail-packed, and readable work an appropriate choice for public and academic collections." LIBRARY JOURNAL by: Carolyn M. Mulac March 1, 2007 Reference, page 18.

"Giordano provides readers with a broad historical perspective on dance as it has commingled with American society throughout the history of the US. . . . This set's strength is in tracing the origins of particular dances and noting their evolution within the contextual fabric of American culture. Entries are written in an accessible style, often punctuated with nicely captioned photographs and/or basic step patterns, leaving readers with a more complete image of the movement involved in the dances as well as the proximity of partners. Commendably, the author includes Native American dance entries alongside those nonindigenous dances that influenced American culture. --CHOICE June 2007

"Who would have thought that the topic of social dancing was so complex and nuanced or that it is so interesting? This beautifully composed, stylishly written examination of the social value of public dancing, as well as its function in reflecting changing values, begs to be read start to finish. . . . The discussions are deep and far ranging, dealing with political and religious controversies that dancing either expressed or stirred up. . . . Highly informative black-and-white period reproductions and photographs extend the text perfectly. . . . This fascinating and readable work is suitable for any large performing-arts collection as well as collections on social history." Ann Welton, BOOKLIST July 1, 2007, Vol. 103 No,.21, p79, 1p; (AN 25808876)

"Giordano takes a good long look at how we danced, why and with whom across the years from the "Fair Terpsichore" and "set dances" so complicated they required flash cards to country dances, the Virginia Reel, the polka, the cake walk, the two-step, and the much more seriously intentioned Buffalo dance and Ghost dance, followed by ragtime, the Charleston, jitterbug, swing, the Latin dances, rock and roll, disco, breakdancing, and recent revivals of classic dances." REFERENCE and RESEARCH BOOK NEWS February 2007 Vol. 22, No. 1, p. 98.

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Customer Reviews (1)

Dirty Dancing how to do it
I absolutly love the movie and the book was fantastic. Both Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey wereinspirational and really good together. ... Read more

Product Description
On the heels of her captivating debut, The Tea House on Mulberry Street, comes Sharon Owens's new novel of passion, romance, and regret-and the winding paths to falling in love.

Johnny "Hollywood" Hogan owns the ballroom on Magnolia Street, where sisters Kate and Shirley Winters, along with other regulars, go every Saturday night-to escape the realities of Belfast life, and to seek fun and romance.

Free-spirited Shirley has a mad crush on a boy named Declan Greenwood, while thoroughly modern Kate likes plenty of variety in her wardrobe (and her love life) and is determined to get married before her younger sister. She'll take anyone who'll have her, even if it has to be that greasy-though not entirely unattractive-mechanic who has been hanging around lately. The crowd at Hogan's is always lively, but that doesn't mean all problems have been left at the door. Johnny's grandparents are afraid that he'll retire and shut the ballroom down. Johnny yearns for Marion, his old love (and Declan's mother), while Marion starts to worry that her long-held secret will finally be revealed.

But it doesn't take long for all of the ballroom's patrons to discover that, even without velvet-lined balconies and crystal chandeliers, the magic of the twinkling lights and soft music will help them find just what they're looking for-whether it be family, friendship, or even true love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Slightly Disappointing
This is perhaps my least favorite of Sharon Owen's work. The Ballroom on Magnolia Street starts off very slow, in fact, the first half of the book I consider largely useless. Luckily, I stuck through and was rewarded with a decent second half of the book.

Unlike her other works a great portion of this novel actually doesn't involve the ballroom. While the characters are sometimes there or mention it, it isn't the main focus like the Tea Room or Pub were in her other novels.

At the beginning we're introduced to Johnny "Hollywood" Hogan, the owner of the ballroom. He has a penchant for Blue Suede shoes and Marion, another character's (Declan) mother. He's famous for having stopped a crime years before in the ballroom and also for being the only survivor of a bombing in the neighborhood where the ballroom is when he was born.

The most prominent characters are sisters Kate and Shirley. In the first half of the novel I couldn't stand either of them. They were both very superficial and written to be quite annoying. While Shirley improves midways through the novel, it isn't until almost the end when Kate redeems herself. Both of the sisters are in a perpetual hunt for love (or in Kate's case) a good time. Shirley, especially has a thing for Declan.

After the first half of the book is done the story really gets going. Shirley gets involved with Declan finally (even though in one paragraph of the first book he liked Kate, which is never explained away). Kate starts dating a mechanic out of jealousy of her sister's relationship. These relationships shape out the second half of the book and evolve into a double wedding that causes numerous sorts of grief.

Also featured is a kidnapping that seemed somewhat out of place and a transference of the ownership of the ballroom, which is quickly and conveniently reversed at the end of the novel. Like her other novels, the last chapter consists of different paragraphs explaining what happens to each of the characters, even the lowliest of side characters.

Her writing is still cheery in this book and it wouldn't be a bad read with a bubble bath and a glass of wine (the wine is very important for getting through the first half). It just didn't seem to have the charm that her other novels did and I didn't connect to the characters as much.

The Ballroom on Magnolia Street
Published in 2004
356 pages

Will buy more of Sharon Owens Books
I am currently reading this book and I love it!
I also have read The Tea House on Mulberry Street.Thats the one that started it for me.I plan on buying many more of her books.

The Ballroom on Magnolia Street was great
I loved this book.I had read her first book the Tea house on Mulberry Street and I knew that I had to have the next one.It will keep you interested and wanting another at the end.
I highly recommend it, and the lastest novel the Tavern on Maple Street

So glad I found this author
I was pleasantly suprised to find this new Irish author.I have always been a fan of Maeve Binchy's and after reading Sharon Owens I can see why so many reviews draw parallels between the two authors.

The book is centered around a ballroom in Belfast.We are introduced to the owner, Johhny "Hollywood" Hogan, and eventually to his patrons.We meet two sisters, Shirley and Kate and follow their love, work and family dilemmas.As happens in life, people are connected in unexpected ways, which makes for some interesting relationships.

The story is told with great affection for the characters, despite their faults.The book does not falter and keeps the reader both interested and amused to the very end.Ms. Owens excels at drawing three dimensional characters and writing believable conversations and story lines.

A delightful book all around!

Looking for Binchy, be prepared for disappointment...
Always on the lookout for new Irish fiction writers, I stumbled across Sharon Owens. When I find one I like I tend to get every book ever written and gobble them up like candy, eagerly anticipating the next release. Unfortunately, that won't be the case here. The story line was impossibly weak from the start. I almost gave up after the third chapter but hung on as I hate to admit defeat which is more than I can say for this author. I thought this book was a mystery then chick lit then I realized that even the author can't seem to figure out what genre she is going for. She starts out killing the hero's parents in the war, next having him lose the heroine who she can never quite make up her mind til the end whether she's a brainless idiot, still in love with him and going back or what. The hero is good then bad, up then down. It's not a matter of keeping the reader in suspense, I don't think the author has the first idea about plot development and it clearly shows. A reader doesn't mind character development but character confusion is another matter altogether, especially when the entire cast seems to suffer from it. If you are used to a quality writer like Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy this is a huge step down. I'm not suggesting that this author be on a level with John Banville's The Sea - clearly we aren't talking Booker Prize material here but honestly - this was an effort to keep reading. ... Read more

Product Description
The purpose of this book is to attempt to get agreement from ballroom dance teachers in college and universities on content for a beginning class and standardise names for variations. The core curriculum agreed upon by CBDA is identified by an asterisk preceding the name of the variation in the contents page. Additional steps for each dance are included following the core. Suggested musical selections are listed at the end of each dance. Classics that have been popular through the years were chosen over current 'pop' songs. ... Read more

Product Description
The official companion to Strictly Come Dancing, the original television show that inspired ABC’s smash-hit, Dancing with the Stars.

For over 10 million British viewers last year, Saturday night was Strictly Come Dancing night. The cult television show, which was the inspiration for the ABC hit, Dancing with the Stars, whipped the nation into dance fever. This new companion to Strictly Come Dancing is a colorful celebration of the growing craze for ballroom dancing. Here, celebrity judges and professional dancers share their insights, experience, and memories of being part of the series. For those who have been bitten by the ballroom-dancing bug, this book is packed with useful tips from the experts, including step-by-step lessons for a variety of dances. Illustrated with behind-thescenes photos, and with features on the costumes, make-up, sets, and the making of the show, this is a book for ballroom dancing enthusiasts everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Reasonably interesting for an American
This show is apparently the U.K. progenitor of the U.S. show Dancing With The Stars.I've never seen the British version, but the book was interesting enough in itself to be worth a few bucks, though not full price.It's very well-put-together and as thorough as you could imagine for a book of its type.

Each of the celebrity dance-trainees of the first two seasons gets a full writeup, as do most of the professional dancers who train them.The discussions of the celebrities are more brutally frank than I can imagine U.S. publicists permitting; some, apparently, Could Not Dance, At All.There's a four-page layout on each of the major dance styles (Foxtrot, Rumba, etc.).

Since the U.K. celebrities mean nothing to me, I most liked the thorough description of how the show is put together -- set assembled, music edited, costumes designed. ... Read more

Product Description
Strictly Come Dancing, the hit British TV series, is a celebrity ballroom dancing competition. Now in its third series, the book is a glossy celebration of the ballroom dancing craze and includes step-by-step dance lessons. ... Read more

Product Description
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more