Reviews of How To Dance Through Time, Volume
I
The Romance of Mid-19th Century Couple Dances
Library Journal ”…provides an intriguing glimpse into
the social world of [the 19th century] era. Each dance is preceded
by a historical overview, with original lithographs from the period
and entertaining commentary by Teten. We learn, for example, that "the
art of turning reflected elements of the Industrial Revolution, such
as the ‘spinning Jenny,' and that the Mazurka was a dance of "majesty," "unreservedness," and "allurement".
Adequately primed for the tension and intrigue of the 19th-century
ballroom, the student is then carefully guided through the basic
steps. This well produced and entertaining video is highly recommended."
Teacher's Market "The Waltz, Polka, Schottische, Galop, and
Mazurka--your students may have heard or even played examples of
these forms, but can they dance to them? A recent video, How to Dance
Through Time:Volume I-The Romance of Mid-19th Century Couple Dances,
can show them all the steps. This historically accurate introduction
to these varied dances draws on period manuscripts and music composed
specifically for dancing by Chopin, Liszt, and their contemporaries."
Video Librarian "Following a brief history each dance is
presented by the dancers, who are shown performing from several camera
angles at various speeds. This is a solid introduction to the "easy" dances
and a much appreciated effort to preserve those ballroom glory days."
Dance On Camera Journal "These instructional videos will
be invaluable to choreographers who create dances for period films
or for cotillions and charity balls. They preserve the art form and
provide the story of the cultural phenomenon, thus making a perfect
addition to dance, design, and anthropological libraries."
Billboard "A dance teacher with a shine for cultural history
provides step-by-step guidance on the graceful couples' dances that
set the tone in ballrooms during the previous century. Couples demonstrate
everything from the gentleman's bow to the final twirl, with detailed
views of dancers’ feet in slow motion…Just as enlightening
as the instruction is the running commentary on the many ways the
dances reflected the times in which they were created. This tape
is as close to a trip back to the mid-century as most dance enthusiasts
are likely to get."
The Midwest Book Review Wisconsin Bookwatch “…Each
dance segment is introduced by a brief presentation of fascinating
historical information accompanied by the romantic music of the past
associated with each particular mode of dance. Also highly recommended
are Dancetime Publications' two volume video set, DANCETIME!: 500
Years of Social Dance."
Brattleboro Reformer Keene, N.H. “The organization of the
material in each of these sets is first to go over each step of a
dance several times in different tempos, from different angles, and
with full explanations by the creator and head of the company, Carol
Teten. You can watch, then skip back and try the steps yourself as
you watch a second time, and over and over until you have it down
pat.
“…She [Teten] explains the social structure of the
society as it is reflected in each dance and now and then gives us
the "sub-text" of the steps -- what the dancers are acting
out either consciously or subliminally. It is all fascinating stuff.
“Who must have all six volumes? Public libraries, music and
dance departments in all high schools and colleges, local theater
groups who do "period" plays, anyone who loves dance, anyone
interested in social history, even anyone interested in psychology.
That does not leave many who would not want copies of this set. “
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