Book Reviews, Part II
Injury Prevention, Anatomy and Physiology
Preventing Dance Injuries by Ruth Solomon, John Solomon and Sandra Cerny Minton (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com) is a collection of chapters written by doctors, physical therapists and experts in the fields of dance medicine. It begins with a form for and explanation of the screening process to help prevent injuries, and includes injury diagnosis and rehabilitation; the often overlooked psychological issues built into dance; pain evaluation and the role of teachers in keeping dancers as safe and stress free as possible. All teachers should study pages 171-2, and read Ruth Solomon's Chapter 9. Photos and diagrams illustrate the principles clearly and all the work has been carefully researched.
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain and Anatomy of Movement Exercises by Blandine Calais-Germain and Andree Lamotte (Eastland Press, www.eastlandpress.com) is a set of books on the anatomy and physiology of dance and exercise. Illustrated with drawings that are clear and detailed without being overwhelming, teachers in any physical discipline will appreciate this duo. Whether for their own education and understanding; to show students what they are talking about, or to use in movement anatomy classes, the books are another must-have in your library. The second book explains and shows the mechanics and movements of a specific area, such as the knee, with photographs and illustrations; moves to strength, flexibility and coordination of the area, and closes the section with 'practice pages' -assessment of the strength and flexibility of the area, with exercises for improving alignment and proper use.
Teachers' Resources
Rethinking Dance History: A Reader, edited by Alexandra Carter (Routledge www.routledge.com) is a compilation of essays on dance history by noted writers and researchers in the genre. Ballet, music halls, film, fashion and modern dance are covered.
One of most interesting essays was the tender diary of Victorian 'ballet girl' Cara Tranders who wrote about her life as an underpaid, undervalued dancer in a profession that was considered to be on the level of streetwalkers. "My body is nearly always exhausted, but I wouldn't do another job. It's wonderful, really, to be able to dance, to be part of such a long artistic tradition. I know I'll never be a real ballerina, but that's all right." This from a dancer in the late 1800s. "My thoughts won't go down in history. But the ballet will, and I'm proud to be a part of it."
Dancer has mentioned Teaching Children Dance before (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com), but wanted to let you know of a second edition that includes the result of ten more years experience from authors Theresa Purcell and Stephen L. Cone. The book focuses on work with grades K-5. As educational requirements change and more emphasis is placed on outcomes and assessment, books for dance educators must evolve also - thus the reason for this second edition. Framework, content, designing a program, effective teaching and assessment guides are included.
Building Dances: A Guide to Putting Movements Together is another second edition Dancer wants you to know about. By Susan McGreevy Nichols, Helene Scheff and Marty Sprague (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com), K-12 teachers, beginners to experienced choreographers, will find the useful "Deal a Dance" cards for the creative side, plus plans, assessments and hints that will put you at the top in organization and teaching effectiveness.
Interdisciplinary Learning Through Dance: 101 MOVEntures, compiled by Lynette Young Overby, Beth C. Post and Diane Newman (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com) includes a DVD and music CD to give teachers 101 lesson plans that meet students' needs and satisfy SOL's and assessment requirements. What more can a harried teacher need than pre-tested ideas for getting students moving and creative juices flowing.
Instructing Hatha Yoga by Kathy Lee Kappmeier and Diane M. Ambrosini (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com) can help yoga instructors rejuvenate and improve their classes with class outlines, lesson plans, a sample syllabus, charts and a DVD of teaching methods. Many books cover yoga, using young perfect bodies as illustrations, but this one has the added bonus of how to work with real bodies of varying sizes and abilities. Students might want a copy of this also to help them in their studies of this form.
Dance About Anything by Marty Sprague, Helene Scheff, and Susan McGreevy-Nichols (Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com) helps you and your students create and complete a dance project that will coordinate with academic subjects such as math, music and social studies. The attached CD-ROM includes worksheets for you and your students that cover and coordinate concepts, completion and assessment, guaranteeing a successful event. You are guided from start to finish with materials' lists, teachers output, a suggested time frame, proven research, justification and students' worksheets. CD icons sit beside sections so you'll know where to look immediately. A more organized book will be difficult to find.