Learn to Speak Dance
A Guide to Creating, Performing, and Promoting Your Moves
by Ann-Marie Williams
illustrated by Jeff Kulak
- Runner-up, Alcuin Society Book Design Competition, Reference Category
- Runner-up, Moonbeam Children's Book Award, Non-Fiction - Young Adult category, Bronze
Watching a flashy music video or an episode of So You Think You Can Dance probably makes most people a little shy about their dancing skills, but we all know how to dance. After all, dance is just a mashup of everyday movement and imagination. And while a musician might learn how to play piano or guitar, a dancer's instrument is the human body. We just need to explore the unique, artistic voice inside that instrument — and Learn to Speak Dance is all about helping kids do just that! Drawing upon years of experience as a dancer and dance teacher, author Ann-Marie Williams exposes every aspect of the world of dance — from different dance styles around the world to tips on choreography, costume design, performance, staging, and even managing a potential career. She's also brought along the expert opinions of a number of other dancers, se designers, choreographers, and reality TV judges, and all of them share great tips and anecdotes throughout. But there's no need to get stage fright — Learn to Speak Dance isn't an audition, a lecture, or even a class. It's simply a revelation of just how far your own two feet can move you...if you let them
close this panel...fun, smart, and unflaggingly supportive.
Aspiring choreographers, musicians, stage managers and set designers will find start-up pointers...
Dancing is hip and happening, and together the author and illustrator have created an appealing book that will inspire and support kids and young teens who just want to get up and dance.
Comprehensive, exhilarating and groovy.
The language is right - hip and cool without trying too hard...The book helps to make dance accessible rather than mysterious...It really was written in an encouraging tone.
This book gives some really solid tips from a pro dance teacher, and a good look at what it takes.
A sparkling addition to performing-arts sections.
It will inspire and validate pre-adolescents who have an interest in dance, and it will certainly provide them a comprehensive overview of dance as a discipline and profession.
Any teen with an interest in fashion will find much to like about this book.
...a practical introduction to the field.
