Praise for
Dancing Through the Centuries:
Dawn of a New World: Two-Step to Lindy Hop
(1890s -1940s)
"Dawn of a New World is particularly useful
for teachers of American popular music interested in helping stimulate their
students’ historical imagination, providing demonstrations of genres that
are otherwise no longer performed and are difficult to find on film... Dawn
of a New World represents a unique contribution to the resources available
on popular culture in the first half of the twentieth century... the film
presents us with a rare glimpse into turn-of-the-century American dance through
movement itself rather than relying on texts and still images alone. Doing
so, it encourages our students to engage the relationship between music and
movement and brings them one step closer to understanding American popular
music as a social phenomenon."
--Joanna Bosse, Journal of the Society for American Music
"In this lively and informative presentation, an eight-member troupe performs social dances spanning from the 1890s to the 1940s. An orchid-colored ballroom boasting large windows overlooking tree foliage is the backdrop for host Renée Camus, who introduces the social, political, and historical scenes of the respective dances and the era. Dressed in historic costumes, the dancers perform the cakewalk, tango, Lindy hop, fox trot, and more. The music is carefully described—composers, song titles, and recordings are cited, while historic posters, sketches, cartoons, and photographs illuminate the narration. The couples make good use of the lovely dance floor, while fine camera work allows viewers to learn the demonstrated steps. A chapter index facilitates each dance. This enthusiastic, enjoyable program is perfect for viewers interested in the history of dance or those who want to perfect the steps."
--Nancy McCray, Booklist
--Joanna Bosse, Journal of the Society for American Music
"In this lively and informative presentation, an eight-member troupe performs social dances spanning from the 1890s to the 1940s. An orchid-colored ballroom boasting large windows overlooking tree foliage is the backdrop for host Renée Camus, who introduces the social, political, and historical scenes of the respective dances and the era. Dressed in historic costumes, the dancers perform the cakewalk, tango, Lindy hop, fox trot, and more. The music is carefully described—composers, song titles, and recordings are cited, while historic posters, sketches, cartoons, and photographs illuminate the narration. The couples make good use of the lovely dance floor, while fine camera work allows viewers to learn the demonstrated steps. A chapter index facilitates each dance. This enthusiastic, enjoyable program is perfect for viewers interested in the history of dance or those who want to perfect the steps."
--Nancy McCray, Booklist
"DANCING THROUGH THE CENTURIES is a wonderfully researched
and delightfully presented history of ten social dances that were popular
from the 1890s through the 1940s. Each dance is demonstrated in vintage costume
to the appropriate vintage music. Narration between the demonstrations, complete
with illustrations that include newsclippings from the period and original
sheet music place the dances in historic perspective. For anyone with even
the slightest curiosity about the evolution of today's ballroom and other
social dances, this very professionally produced DVD is a must!
--Niel Shell, co-author with professional ten-dance champion John Nyemchek, of HUSTLE, the only in-depth treatise on this disco dance"
--Niel Shell, co-author with professional ten-dance champion John Nyemchek, of HUSTLE, the only in-depth treatise on this disco dance"
"Dancing Through the Centuries is an excellent one hour video presenting the social dances of the 1890s through 1940s against the background of their social and historical context. With good visual material integrated into actual performance, we are shown the development of ten dances, from the Two-Step to the Lindy Hop. This video is valuable for courses in either dance or general American history, and would also be good in connecting dance with culture and changes in movement patterns related to changes in society. "
--Naima Prevots, Professor Emerita, dance department, American University
"As for the DVD, may I say not only what a great job, but also, I really liked the way you incorporated the historical with your “troupes” dancing display. The overall presentation was quite original and very entertaining and educational. I am most partial to swing and Lindy Hop, which is probably why I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent display of the Lindy. The choice of music was also nice. I am planning to watch it again this weekend!"
--Ralph G. Giordano, author of Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference
"I've used [your DVD] to show the cakewalk for my Harlem Renaissance course. I know already that it will greatly enrich my course. Thanks for this important video and dance history resource!"
--Gayle Murchison, Department of Music and Black Studies Program, The College of William and Mary
|
