The Essential Guide to Ballroom Dance

Janet Cunningham-Clayton, Malcolm Fernandes

• Publisher: Crowood
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781785005978
• eBook ISBN: 9781785005985
• Topic: Media & Performing Arts
• Subtopic: Dance

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgements
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1. The History and Development of Ballroom Dancing
• 2. The Dance Essentials
• 3. The Waltz – English and Viennese
• 4. The Slow Foxtrot
• 5. The Quickstep
• 6. The Ballroom Tango
• 7. Beyond the Basics
• 8. Musicality, Floor Craft and Routine Construction
• 9. Exercises and Nutrition to Improve Your Dancing
• Conclusion
• Index