Testimonials -- Essential Guide to Ballroom

Stephen Belbin

I have really enjoyed reading through The Essential Guide to Ballroom Dance. It is both very informative and insightful. Chapters 2 and 7 are fantastic as they cover the principles of seemingly simple movements such as stepping, how to stand and shifting of body weight but go more in depth to show how improving these are important foundations to build for any dancer. I particularly found the part about how we learn to walk as babies and then forgetting how we learnt as we get older - great, it also mirrored what my Kung Fu teacher once told me too. The middle chapters cover all the ballroom dances as well as the basic steps, there is also concise breakdowns of the history of where the dances originated from. The end of the book covers supplementary exercises that can be included into ones practice which will be invaluable for dancers wishing to explore other movement disciplines and see how they relate to or carry over to dance. There are numerous useful exercises given throughout the book that will help. Great read overall and I frequently go back to it when I have a question.

Sarah Davey

This is such a readable book. I am not a professional dancer - my work involves balancing the body and allowing that to be reflected in everything an individual undertakes in their daily life. That’s why this book is so interesting. Janet and Malcolm have gone to great lengths to make this book accessible to all from the pure novice to the more experienced allowing that interest to be developed and explored by everyone with an eye for detail. Each chapter is presented so as to encourage the reader. It is exceptionally clear and well presented. The illustrations a delight that draw us all further in to this fascinating topic. It takes enormous courage and dedication to do anything well and then even more to share that expertise so generously and professionally as detailed in this publication. Yes, a guide it is, but this book is so much more and will be returned to again and again The authors have produced something very special as time will show

Christina Cremin

This book is a must for anyone who is passionate about ballroom dancing. It covers literally everything from posture and diet to the minute details of making dancing look elegant . No secrets held back all is revealed and shared with the reader. If you want to look better on the ballroom floor then this is the book to read.

Andrew Jones

I like this book as it goes beyond steps and explains some useful techniques. Amazing info on posture and how to stand and move. Couldn't put it down. Love the photography and illustrations. A must if you are into dancing.

Donald

this is an excellent book for anybody thinking of taking up ballroom dancing, either socially or entering the competition world. the book covers basic steps in the modern ballroom dances to dance wear, exercises and nutrition.

Sarah Davis

This book is a must for anyone learning the art of Ballroom dancing, whether just starting out on their journey or for the more advanced dancer. There is not only extremely clear explanations with fantastic detail for the correct technique of dance but also included is how to achieve this technique by showing the muscles, bones etc in collaboration with the fundamentals of dance. To write a book like this shows that the authors have an immense depth of knowledge, dedication and understanding of every component required to dance.

Each ballroom dance has its own chapter explaining about the dance to set the atmosphere and then the first steps of learning to dance right through to 'championship level" in technique. Another very important element is music and this book not only mentions it but explains It, showing beats and timing of each of the 5 ballroom dances. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to read such a fabulous book to help and aid in the learning to ballroom dance. As the title says it is the essential guide and I use it as my ballroom bible. Thank you Janet and Malcolm Supa Sarah