This third edition of the bestselling text ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE is thoroughly updated to meet the new AS/A2 specifications and relevant Applied A-levels, BTEC and other Dance qualifications. Now in full colour, highly illustrated, and packed with tasks and activities to cover all aspects of current courses, this text will appeal to both teachers and students. Students are brought right up to date with clear explanations of choreography, performance and appreciation of Dance, as well as recent examples of new set works and choreographers. With further video and photo interactive analysis tasks, the addition of short revision tests and updated professional examples alongside many contemporary photographs, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition provides students with comprehensive support and guidance. With its emphasis on the practical aspects of Dance and its interactive features that encourage effective learning, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition will be essential for all students of Dance and their teachers. Linda Ashley has extensive experience as a writer, choreographer, performer and teacher of Dance. Linda is currently Dance Research Leader at AUT University, New Zealand, Linda has written several Dance titles, published in the UK and New Zealand, including the two previous bestselling editions of ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE, both published by Hodder.

The Essential Guide to Contemporary Dance Techniques explores the multifaceted learning processes and underlying principles behind the technical skills and abilities of a contemporary dancer. The depth and complexity of this challenging sensorial, intellectual, reflective and creative process is presented with clarity, to support every training dancer in achieving the most from their learning experiences. Insights into three major technical forms: Graham technique, Cunningham technique and Release-based technique, reveal the distinct approaches, processes and experiences possible in contemporary dance training. Essential technical and performance considerations are covered, including: breath; alignment; core activation; connectivity; dynamic qualities of motion; use of the body; use of space; action and finally, relationships to the audience. With personal contributions from respected teachers at top dance institutions, this practical guide offers a unique insight into the expectations and processes of professional training classes as well as the success you can achieve with them. With images from real-life technique classes and dynamic performances, this is an essential companion for all contemporary dance students.

Ballroom dancing has become an increasingly popular pastime for all ages, inspired in recent years by reality TV dance programmes throughout the world. As one of the most inclusive dance genres, it offers both a social and competitive outlet for every ability. The Essential Guide to Ballroom Dance offers a comprehensive study of the main ballroom dance styles, including the Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Tango. Topics covered include a brief history and development of ballroom dancing; a beginner's guide to partnerships, positioning and footwork; dance-specific techniques, steps and routines; the mechanics, application and fundamentals of movement; musicality and choreography and, finally, exercises, diet and nutrition. With clear step-by-step instructions, 150 colour photographs, and a foreword by Anton Du Beke, this is an ideal companion for the beginner ballroom dancer. Janet Cunningham-Clayton is a former Senior British Ballroom Champion and has over twenty-five years of dancing experience, and Malcolm Fernandes has over thirty years experience in the ballroom dance industry with a particular specialism in music.

Jazz dance and its inherent music is recognized as one of the original and most potent art forms of the last two centuries. From its African roots to our present-day global dance community, the jazz idiom has afforded a cross-fertilization with all other artistic, cultural and social representations within the arts industry, providing an accessible dance platform for dancers, teachers and creatives to enjoy both recreationally and professionally. The Essential Guide to Jazz Dance offers a practical and uncomplicated overview to the multi-layered history, practices and development of jazz dance as a creative and artistic dance form. It covers the incredible history and lineage of jazz dance; the innovators, choreographers and dance creatives of the genre; specifics of jazz aesthetic, steps and styles; a detailed breakdown of a practical jazz dance warm-up and technical exercises; creative frameworks to support development of jazz dance expression and aesthetic; performance and improvisation; jazz music and musical interpretation, and finally, choreographing and creating jazz works. With over 230 colour photos and a wealth of tips and advice, this new book will be an ideal reading companion for dancers of all abilities, dance teachers, choreographers as well as all jazz dance enthusiasts.

From the propulsive rhythm of the African dancer, to the swinging ragtime of the American jazz age, tap dancing has evolved into a unique blend of cultural expression, improvisation and creativity, open to all ages and abilities. With clear step-by-step instructions, The Essential Guide to Tap Dance covers basic steps such as the shuffle, pick up and paddle, before building these into traditional combinations such as the time step and shim sham. Additional material includes the history and development of tap dancing; rhythm and musicality; learning the language of tap dancing; the role of improvisation and choreography and finally, the basic steps to advanced techniques. This is the perfect companion to instruct the beginner tap dancer and expand the more experienced dancer's technique, offering full-colour pictures, helpful instruction and essential notes on this vibrant and accessible dance form. Illustrated throughout with 138 colour photographs and line artworks.

Harriet Cavalli, internationally recognized as one of the most talented and experienced specialists in the art of music for dancers and dance teachers, presents here the definitive book on accompaniment, as well as her personal - often humorous - look behind the scenes at the world of dance. The text is enhanced by diagrams and 83 complete musical examples, providing a wealth of repertoire choices.

In Knowing Dance, Marion Gough provides a general framework for understanding the many different aims, demands and constraints of teaching dance, with suggestions for practical and creative ways of dealing with them. After considering the interaction between teaching and learning, the author looks at the ways that a dance course may be planned, and how styles, strategies and methods of assessment can be applied to achieve different teaching objectives.

This third edition of the bestselling text ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE is thoroughly updated to meet the new AS/A2 specifications and relevant Applied A-levels, BTEC and other Dance qualifications. Now in full colour, highly illustrated, and packed with tasks and activities to cover all aspects of current courses, this text will appeal to both teachers and students. Students are brought right up to date with clear explanations of choreography, performance and appreciation of Dance, as well as recent examples of new set works and choreographers. With further video and photo interactive analysis tasks, the addition of short revision tests and updated professional examples alongside many contemporary photographs, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition provides students with comprehensive support and guidance. With its emphasis on the practical aspects of Dance and its interactive features that encourage effective learning, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition will be essential for all students of Dance and their teachers. Linda Ashley has extensive experience as a writer, choreographer, performer and teacher of Dance. Linda is currently Dance Research Leader at AUT University, New Zealand, Linda has written several Dance titles, published in the UK and New Zealand, including the two previous bestselling editions of ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE, both published by Hodder.

This third edition has been thoroughly updated to meet the new AS/A2 specification and relevant Applied A-levels, BTEC and other dance qualifications. Author from AUT University, New Zealand.

Like other kids their age, highly capable adolescents experience developmental challenges. They’re forging identity, finding direction, exploring relationships, and learning to resolve conflicts. These are difficult tasks to do alone, no matter how smart one may be. The 70 guided discussions in this book are an affective curriculum for gifted teens. By “just talking” with caring peers and an attentive adult, kids gain self-awareness and self-esteem, learn to manage stress, build social skills and life skills, and discover they are not alone. Each session is self-contained and step-by-step; many include reproducible handouts. Introductory and background materials help even less-experienced group leaders feel prepared and secure in their role. For advising teachers, counselors, and youth workers in all kinds of school and group settings working with gifted kids in grades 6–12.