The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing, DVD Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to) by Jeffrey Allen Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing, DVD Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to)
Book Review: Even an non-idiot might have difficulty wading through this
Summary: 2 Stars
I've had this book for 3 years now, and at the same time I've been taking weekly ballroom dance classes. I thought that as I got more hands-on instruction, I would feel more comfortable with the instructional part of the book. I never did. Now that I am far more advanced than what is taught in the book, I still feel a bit confused trying to figure out what the author trying to teach. OK, some maybe I'm an idiot, but if I am, then this book should be geared to me. If there were an accompanying DVD, then I think it would be much better.Book Review: Complete Idiot's Guide to Ball Room Dancing
Summary: 4 Stars
I really ordered the book to get some ideas to help some friends learn to dance. I took dancing in college but, am afraid we cheated on some of the movements. I think this book will help me "crips up" some of my movements, positions, and give me a refresher on some of the dances I love to do, Latin, but my husband doesn't. With this book I believe we may become the next Fred and Ginger.Book Review: Pretty Good Book
Summary: 3 Stars
This guide does give one good background information on ballroom dancing, and has many illustrations. The accompanying music CD is good (not great, but good).
My main complaint is that it can sometimes be a bit difficult to read, to follow. And there really should be a glossary of terms in the back, I had a difficult time finding what various acronyms meant.
It's not really a book you can open up to, say, the section on the foxtrot and just learn how to do the foxtrot without first reading the rest of the book. It's meant to be read from start to finish before you begin learning any particular dance.
Book Review: Too much guff
Summary: 2 Stars
This book has some great material, and its history bits are good, but if you just want some hints on learning to dance there is way too much 'stuff' you have to wade through before you get to anything about dancing ... you're half way through the book before you get to the actual dance steps - and too much stuff you have to wade through around each dance.
If you want LOTS of history and detail, this is the book for you. If you want to get down to dancing ... it has some good info in it, but it takes a lot of work to find it
Book Review: Beginner and Beyond
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted a book that I can grow with. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ballroom Dancing fits the bill. The first sentence of each and every dance pattern start with simple phrases like "Step forward with your left foot, Step to the side with your right foot, Close your left foot to your right foot" Certainly anyone can follow these step descriptions. Then if you want to grow with more techniques it's all there right in front of you. If your taking lessons this book has to be the best reference guide anywhere! You can practice your basics without forgetting what you did in class. Allen has produced a terrific preconceived notebook for all level of dancers. Buy it you'll love it and the book will grow with you.