Showing titles in Dance

At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a Black prima ballerina with a major international dance company—the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a troupe of women and men who became each other’s chosen family. She performed in some of ballet’s most iconic works with other trailblazing ballerinas, including the young women who became her closest friends—founding Dance Theatre of Harlem members Gayle McKinney-Griffith and Sheila Rohan, as well as first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells. The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of these five accomplished women.

Harlem 1969; it's the height of the Civil Rights era and the community is still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King. Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, takes his protest to the stage and establishes the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Here begins the story of the five extraordinary women at the heart of this book. This is a book about ballet, the enduring allure of ballet for young girls, and about how these pioneers broke into a world that was closed to them and changed ideas of what a classical dancer could be.

About The Author Sarah McCormick received her BA in World Arts & Culture from UCLA and her MFA from SUNY Brockport. She is currently Assistant Professor of Dance in the Department of Visual & Theatre Arts at The University of Tennessee at Martin (2008-present). As Director of UT at Martin's Dance Ensemble she has brought her philosophy of dance as education into action. Dance Ensemble student members have taught and performed at Huntingdon Primary, Dyersburg High School, Martin Primary, and Martin Elementary. Her choreography embodies a World-dance approach, as she combines her intensive ...

Delve into the enthralling world of gravity-defying artistry with the new eBook, "Aerial Arts Mastery." This meticulously detailed guide offers an unparalleled exploration of this exhilarating art form, from its rich history to the ever-evolving trends that forecast its thrilling future. Perfect for both the curious novice and the experienced professional, this book aims to illuminate the captivating universe of Aerial Arts. In the concise chapters of "Aerial Arts Mastery," readers will embark on an enriching journey. The early sections of the book break down the distinct forms of Aerial ...

Step into the world of "Moving Joy," an inspiring eBook that beckons readers to explore the profound connection between movement and well-being. Embark on a transformative journey through the art of dance, the tranquility of yoga, and the vivacious world of expressive arts, woven together to create a tapestry of self-discovery and innate happiness. This comprehensive guide serves as a beacon for anyone aspiring to enrich their life through the essence of movement. Delve into the historical perspectives on dance and yoga, revealing their timeless appeal and their power to unite body, mind, ...

Be your Best! Discover the power of Ballet to unlock day-to-day skills that help you enjoy the body you live in! Ballet Helps Everything! - Ten Reasons Why is the perfect guide to understanding how Ballet develops critical skills that elevate your physical awareness, mental focus, and personal discipline. Ballet training is a lifetime asset with proven value for every student, a mindful practice that encourages confidence and competence… And that’s what Garage Ballet™ is all about! Within this book, written by Dawn C Crouch, a former dancer with Houston Ballet and experienced Ballet ...

Ready to advance to ballet’s signature skill safely and successfully? Every ballet dancer, regardless of age, dreams of their first pair of pointe shoes! Pointe Work - Ten Reasons Why and When, the second book in the Garage Ballet™ series, gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to master pointe work, , including exercises to strengthen the feet and ankles, a guide to correct technique, and insider tips to make the transition to pointe as smooth as possible. Readers will benefit from a short discussion of the history of pointe, detailed at-home exercises, tips on correct technique ...

This work examines the similarities and differences between sacred dance practices in various cultures and dance therapy in the West, with a particular focus on aspects of meditation and hypnosis. Through a thorough review of literature and analysis of case studies, this thesis aims to explore the potential benefits and limitations of incorporating sacred dance and its associated practices into dance therapy.

Discover what it takes to make your own sunshine with Freed by Flamenco, the captivating story of one woman's journey to discover happiness and freedom through flamenco dancing. This true story will show you how to persevere, find purpose, and take control of your own life. By listening to this book, you can reclaim your freedom and gain the confidence to take charge of your life, achieve a deep sense of joy and fulfillment through self-expression, and transform your life with the power of a passion that brings you joy, whether it is flamenco or some other art form or perhaps sport.

When World War II was over, a young bomber pilot with an itch for movement and action hung up his cap and learned another way to fly. Onstage with Martha Graham is the story of Stuart Hodes, a versatile and influential dancer who got his start with Martha Graham, an icon of modern dance. His memoir is a rare firsthand view of the dance world in the 1940s and through the end of the twentieth century. One of the few male dancers in Graham’s company—and in the New York dance scene at the time—Hodes offers a unique perspective and a one-of-a-kind narrative.

Thalia Mara's story spans the history of dance in the twentieth century and the rise of the arts in her adopted city of Jackson, Mississippi. As an adolescent Mara (1911–2003) studied with renowned Russian teacher Adolph Bolm, who recommended she go at age sixteen to Paris for further study. During a tour in Europe and South America, she met her partner in dance and life, Arthur Mahoney, and they dazzled the world with their breathtaking performances during the 1930s and '40s. The two were named codirectors of Jacob's Pillow in 1947, gracing the cover of Life magazine that year.

In the pantheon of American modernists, few figures loom larger than Martha Graham. One of the greatest choreographers ever to live, Graham pioneered a revolutionary dance technique—primal, dynamic, and rooted in the emotional life of the body—that upended traditional vocabulary and shaped generations of dancers and choreographers across the globe. Over her sweeping career, she founded what is now the oldest dance company in the country and produced nearly two hundred ballets, many of them masterpieces.

Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Listen to The Art of Stage Dancing and learn about a unique profession and its history.

Before Ratmansky was the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, the resident choreographer at American Ballet Theatre, the artist in residence at New York City Ballet, and generally, as The New Yorker has it, "the most sought-after man in ballet," he was just a boy from Kyiv, sneaking into the ballet at night, concocting his own juvenile adaptations of novels and stories, and dreaming up new possibilities for bodies in motion.

Learn how to lead and follow every step following the three laws of balance, connection, and direction. This is the only unambiguous method of communicating in social dancing. This is the safest, easiest, and most natural way to dance with a partner. You learn to dance without the use of force. You improve your balance. You learn to dance as light as a feather.

Some difficult times through his childhood in South Africa did nothing to diminish Johannes Radebe's shine. Radebe has now penned his first memoir, Jojo: Finally Home, which documents some of the difficulties he faced growing up and how he got through it. We'll be talking to him about the support and care he got from the women in his life, the way homophobia has affected him, and his passion for dance and the solace it has provided. And of course, we’ll be talking about Strictly.

In 2019, Johannes Radebe became the first male dancer to perform in heels in Strictly Come Dancing history. Wearing black patent leather boots, Johannes danced with a red 'Pose' fan to a rendition of Blondie's Rapture. Two years on, Johannes was part of only the second same-sex pair on the show, dancing with Great British Bake-Off winner, John Whaite and though they were runners up and the response from the UK public was overwhelmingly positive, Johannes still faced abuse that highlighted the continuing fight against homophobia and racism.

Eileen Kramer has lived the most extraordinary life. Born just after Australia entered World War I, she embraced creativity and adventure from an early age. She danced and painted murals in Karachi; worked as an artist's model in Paris and London; met Ella Fitzgerald and Groucho Marx; and learned the twist from Louis Armstrong. In September 2013, aged ninety-nine, Eileen returned to Australia. Now, at 108, she is still dancing.

Arguably the greatest choreographer who ever lived, George Balanchine was one of the cultural titans of the twentieth century—the New York Times called him "the Shakespeare of dancing." His radical approach to choreography—and life—reinvented the art of ballet and made him a legend. Written with enormous style and artistry, and based on more than one hundred interviews and research in archives across Russia, Europe, and the Americas, Mr. B carries us through Balanchine's tumultuous and high-pitched life story and into the making of his extraordinary dances.

Dancing Cheats, Hacks, Hints, Tips, And Tricks That Every Dancer Should Know is the ultimate guide to help you become a better dancer. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book has something for everyone. Inside, you'll find a collection of cheats, hacks, hints, tips, and tricks to improve your dancing skills, from basic techniques to advanced moves.