Originally published in 1932; this is a wonderfully detailed guide to ballroom dancing by the then reigning world champion dancer. The book covers everything that is essential in connection with ballroom dancing; from a detailed description of the standardised figures down to the finer points which proclaim the expert dancer. It is a book that will make its appeal both to the novice and to the experienced or professional performer. Many of the earliest books; particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before; are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable; high quality; modern editions; using the original text and artwork. Contents Include A Complete Syllabus for a Ballroom Examination General Knowledge Questions and Answers The Slow Foxtrot The Waltz The Quick Step The Tango Charts Giving a Complete Description of Every Standing Figure
#299047 in eBooks 2011-03-01 2011-03-01File Name: B004Q3RTS8
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beware the Crack of Doom!By The Inconsistent ReaderI really liked this book. Im sure you could find a more comprehensive volume that would cover more territory. and in more depth. But thats not why I like Tim Gunn. I like him because hes witty and erudite and thats a hard combination to find in fashion. Hes not rude or sarcastic. he simply tells it like it is. He has pointed comments to make on contemporary American life. such as the tendency to wear sweat suits when traveling. pajamas in public. the ubiquitous and not always appropriate flip flop. and the equally ubiquitous bared midriff and Crack of Doom.Theres the usual list of wardrobe and personal care must-haves (trench-ish coat. boots. occasion-appropriate evening wear. perfume. exfoliant and moisturizer) and also a list of must-see films.One quirk that I noticed he dropped in his most recent book. "Gunns Golden Rules" is that he speaks in the royal "we." I have no way of knowing whether he was referring only to himself. or to his co-editor. Kate Moloney. It was quaintly old-fashioned in this book. but Im glad he dropped it for his autobiographical book. Hopefully it wont make a comeback.353 of 359 people found the following review helpful. Almost as good as a chat with Tim GunnBy Anita AshlandYou can almost hear Tim Gunns distinct voice as you read this book. His thoughts translate as well on paper as they do on television.In the "Who You Are" chapter he sets you at ease with his characteristic warmth as he tells you that you are who you are for a reason and he is here to help you accentuate your positive features and mitigate the negative ones. He recognizes that there is a connection between inner and outer beauty and encourages you to think hard about who you are.This book doesnt contain lots of details about what to wear or not to wear. He zeroes in on the basics - he provides a top ten list of wardrobe essentials (he convinced me that ballet flats are necessary. for instance) - and doesnt overwhelm the reader. There is a chapter devoted to posture and walking. A chapter devoted to style icons ranging from Katharine Hepburn to Kate Moss to Patti Smith. Instructions for how to dress for various special occasions. Theres a chapter about the challenge of finding the right fit. Theres much more to style than merely the clothes and his book addresses this very well.The most helpful section is the one that addresses Creeping Closet Syndrome. He gives specific instructions about editing your closet and every woman should heed them. The New York apartment in which he lived for 15 years had seven linear feet of closet space so he knows how to edit.He praises stores like HM and encourages quality over quantity. Every woman would do well to read his chapter on shopping before succumbing to the urge to go on a shopping spree. He says. "The most important part of your expedition should take place before you leave home. The salient question to ask is: Why am I shopping today?"I finished this book with regret. wishing for more. which is how I imagine I would feel after finishing a conversation with him over lunch. Now. Im off to buy some ballet flats...11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Great Advice. But...By Natalie DressedI admire Tim Gunns classy fashion style and practical advice. but IMO his book could have been better designed and executed.For example. had I been Mr. Gunns editor. I would have suggested that he use photographs to help present his case. Reading about how to develop ones sense of quality. taste and style is one thing; illustrating those traits with actual before-and-after examples is quite another. I think this would have given his words more emphasis and greater meaning -- and perhaps save a few more trees.Still. this is an informative read by a master of fashion for those of us who want to expand our knowledge of the art of presentation. and thus increase our self-confidence and enjoyment of life. We are so worth it.
