Reviews
of AMERICA DANCES! 1897-1948
A Collector's Edition of Social Dance in Film
Library Journal “Dancetime
Publications, the company responsible for the unique instruction series on the
history of American social dance, "How To Dance Through Time" has pulled
together an equally unique "collector’s edition" of primary
source film clips—mainly newsreels and television footage—of American
dance. Culled from the National Archives and other news sources, these 60 clips,
ranging from just a few seconds to several minutes in length, provide a rare
glimpse into American trends and tastes through over a little more than half
a century. Highlights include seconds drawn from an 1897 Thomas Edison film Charity
Ball, early 1900s newsreels of young men and women doing a spontaneous "cakewalk" at
a beach resort, film clips of legendary dance duo Irene and Vernon Castle, demonstrations
of the Charleston from a 1960 episode of "The American Musical Theatre,"as
well as scenes of dance marathons, contests, and the wild jitterbugging of the
renowned late Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. Granted the film stock is rough in
spots (frequently, and understandably, dark, and grainy), but Dancetime has supplied
an appropriate piano accompaniment for consistency throughout. Fun for both dance
fans and scholars, this program is recommended for all dance collections.”
LA Times “America Dances belongs
in a category of its own: archival footage showing the evolution
of dance within popular culture...not merely of historic interest,
the footloose performances of the Charleston and other antique-fad
dances gathered here are invariably more exciting than the watered
down versions devised by contemporary choreographers for Broadway,
TV or the movies.”
Video Librarian “An engaging compilation of over 60 archival
dance clips drawn from the vitagraph, Edison, and RKO studio libraries, among
others, America Dances! presents an engaging historical look at the nation’s
social dance scene, from the turn-of-the-19th-century cakewalk to the mid-20th
century Harlem-born hit Lindy Hop…Expert Piano Accompaniment featuring
period and original music adds to the nostalgic atmosphere… highly
recommended.”
Booklist ”This
entertaining program traces the evolution of social dance. Film
clips (including dance marathons, wacky dance stunts, and step-by-step tutorials)
culled from period newsreels and vintage documentaries are organized by decade
and labeled with captions...Fascinating for its glimpse into the fads, fashions,
and popular dances (lindy hop, cakewalk, Charleston, and more) of the era,
this is an excellent resource.”
Dance Magazine "With
more than sixty historic clips, this collection proceeds blessedly
free of commentary…The
film, the result of 20 years of research by Carol Teten, is a gold mine for anyone
interested in vernacular dance – or just dance.”
Dove Worldview ”These are actual films shot in
the era presented, and the people and clothing were as much fun
to watch as the dancing...I recommend this video for anyone interested
in dancing, or history in general.”
Midwest Book Review “A superbly presented treat for dance and
movie enthusiasts, America Dances! 1897-1948 is a welcome and strongly
recommended addition to personal, school, and community library
Video/DVD collections.“
KCBS Radio, San Francisco, CA "America Dances
- 1897 through 1948...it's a collector's edition of social dance
on film...over 50 historical dance film clips from the first part
of the 20th century...we get a record of our changing dance trends...”
KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA "A beautiful documentary!" Jan
Wahl
SHOWCASE MAGAZINE ”I have discovered a wonderful
dance company out West directed by one Carol Teten. The group has
turned out a marvelous series of instructional tapes to enable
you to learn the basic steps of dances from the Renaissance up
to the middle of the last century, and they are a joy to watch.
“But I am here concerned with a DVD that Teten has put together called "America
Dances! 1897-1948" (no catalogue number).
“You have the option of playing the whole DVD straight through, which
I advise on first viewing, or of going into the menu and watching only those
single episodes, which educators will want to do. You see, this is a wonderful
teaching tool for instructors of dance, music, American history and even psychology.
“All in all, Teten did an amazing job in collating all of this material...
All she wants is that we should share in her passion for the dance
and its history. In that, she certainly has succeeded.”
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