Ballroom Dancing (Performing Arts Series) (Performing Arts Series)

Alex Moore's book makes an excellent accompaniment to Ballroom dancing lessons; it explains everything from the correct hold to the figures in great detail, and extremely well. It is definately too heavy for the beginner / casual dancer but for students especially it is a must-have reference book.

Dancing Bible (2/2 people found this helpful)

Ballroom Dancing... what a stunning title. There was no debate as to whether it should be called "My views on Ballroom Dancing" or "What I learned from Ballroom Dancing" but an assured title of exactly what the book contains.

In many teachers opinion, this book is indeed the heart and soul of their learning. And as an amateur competitor this is the book that I use for my study.

It also has brief notes on the following popular dances: Viennese Waltz and International Viennese Waltz (this also includes information on the International Council ruling as to what can be danced in competition)

At the back of the book, the following is also commented on: Paul Jones, Military Paul Jones, "Excuse Me" Dance, The Palais Glide, The Lambeth Walk, St. Bernards Waltz, Spot Dance

The book was originally published in 1936 and has been revised/re-issued to the point where it is now in its 9th Edition. The book features a foreword by Phillip JS Richardson, and has the most recent preface by Alex Moore, accompanied by the original preface.

The book has 324 pages, and is divided into 7 sections. Each section cosists of figures, each of which is broken down into Timing, Tempo, Basic Rhythms, Figures. The description are written for both Man and Lady, and to aid the learner there are 100 diagrams showing feet positiona and movements.

Do not be intimidated by the initial complexities of the book, as the author has also included a guide for all levels as to how to approach and tackle the content.

The book is supremely written, and has a much more personal feel that the official IDTA and ISTD technique books. However, these texts are an unrivalled source of information and (if thinking of taking a teaching exam) would work well together.

On a personal note, my current teacher has fond recollections of Alex Moore and has spoken to him before about "The Book" and his teaching methods. He has only complimentary things to say, and has always comended his ability and natural teaching method.

In reflection, most dancers will agree that with an hours lesson, this book is worth it's weight in gold if you make use of it. By spending time reading and trying the book, you may well be able to save many hours lessons.

Dance (24/26 people found this helpful)

This book seems to be aimed mainly at the kind of dancer who will be going in for competitions. A lot of the steps are fairly clearly illustrated with 'footprint' diagrams (but would have been even better in colour) and are well described. However, the book goes into great depth with many variations on each dance and is a bit overpowering for the complete beginner.

A brilliant book (42/45 people found this helpful)

This excellent book, which was the lifetime work by the late Alex Moore, has been the bible for all students of ballroom dancing for ove fifty years. What is astounding is that it is still being used as the main technique book for this type of dancing all over the world.

Mr Moore commences his book with information on how to study the charts and gives brief examples of the rules of ballroom dancing. He then goes on to chart all the dance figures used in ballroom dancing(Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango) from the humble(but very relevant) beginner to the current world champions. Without this book dancing would be virtually non-existant

This book is vital for students of dancing as well as teachers who need to use it for further study and also for constant reference. It is definately a book that is ideal for "Learning for Life".

Ballroom Dancing (Performing Arts Series) (Performing Arts Series)

Alex Moore

Reader Reviews:

A Brilliant Reference Book! (3/3 people found this helpful)

Dancing Bible (2/2 people found this helpful)

Dance (24/26 people found this helpful)

A brilliant book (42/45 people found this helpful)

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