Ballroom Dancing Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is still available. You can either contact the publisher (A & C Black, London), or go to Amazon-UK. This book is for serious International Standard dancers (American style is not covered). Six to eight basic figures are addressed for each of the four International Standard dances: fox trot, quick step, tango, and waltz. Each figure is minutely broken down into footwork, contra body movement, body sway, and amount of turn. My partner and I found Alex Moore's Ballroom Dancing to be an indispensable part of our practice routine. Please note, this is not a 'do it yourself' book. It will be most effective if used as part of a curriculum with an experienced teacher.

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Now in its tenth edition, this classic and comprehensive handbook has been revised to bring it up to date in keeping with changes on the dance floor and in the rules of dance competitions. The Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango are all illustrated and described in great detail.

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Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments Review

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(More customer reviews)In a nutshell, Acupressure's Potent Points: a Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments shows the reader how they can use acupressure on themselves to relieve stress related problems.
So what exactly is acupressure? Well, its an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press on key points on the surface of the skin- which in turn stimulates the body's natural self-curing abilities. More specifically, when these points are pressed on for several minutes, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. If at this point you're wondering how acupressure differs from ACUPUNCTURE, well, there's not much difference- the same points are used for both, its's just that one uses needles and the other uses your fingers.
And just what makes these acupressure points or "potent points" so special? Well, as the book explains, they are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct these impulses readily. So, by stimulating these points with your fingers, you're triggering the release of endorphins (your body's natural pain killers) which blocks the pain. This in turn increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area which promotes healing and causes the muscles to relax.
Neat huh? This kind of info is covered in Part I of the book. Part II, which is about 85% of the book, covers the acupressure points themselves and the techniques for the specific ailments- and boy do they cover the ailments! Just about everything you can imagine is covered from acne to fainting to shoulder tension. Pictures are a plenty and show you the exact areas to press on- it's a pretty easy process and the book makes it simple to do. Also of note is that there are two ways to use the book, you can look up a problem by system (i.e. digestive system, immune system, etc.) via a handy chart, or simply look a problem up by flipping around as the ailments are covered in alphabetical order.
The book ends with two appendices, one being a nice point location chart, and the other a summary of the potent points. All-in-all its a pretty clear and easy to use book that should help many put an end to their stress-related aches and pains. Other pain books that might be of interest include The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution for readers suffering from plantar fasciitis.

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With your hands you have potential to relieve everyday aches, pains and ailments without taking drugs, to improve your health, and to increase your vitality. Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to stimulate key points on the skin that, in turn, activate the body's natural self-healing processes. With this book, it is a skill you can learn now--and use in your own home.In Acupressure's Potent Points, Michael Reed Gach, founder and director of the Acupressure Institute of America, reveals simple techniques that enable you to relieve headaches, arthritis, colds and flu, insomnia, backaches, hiccups, leg pain, hot flashes, depression, and more--using the power and sensitivity of your own hands.This practical guide covers more than forty ailments and symptoms, from allergies to wrist pain, providing pressure-point maps and exercises to relieve pain and restore function. Acupressure complements conventional medical care, and enables you to take a vital role in becoming well and staying well. With this book you can turn your hands into healing tools--and start feeling good now.

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The Complete In-Line Skater: Basic and Advanced Techniques, Exercises and Equipment for Fitness Review

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(More customer reviews)Let's start with the cover of the book. "Basic and advanced techniques" it says. Really? Crossing one skate over the other and jumping in place are about as advanced as this book gets.
For the complete beginner, this can be a handy book. If you've never set foot on skates, or can't figure out how to stop, this book can help. If you'd like to read a brief history of in-line skating, this book can help. If you're interested in skating purely for physical fitness, this book can help.
If, on the other hand, you're interested in learning more than how to stop, go, turn and skate backwards (though I find this instructions for skating backwards to be lacking) then keep looking, you won't find any "advanced" information here.
All in all, this book touches lightly on a variety of beginner's topics, but fails to keep its promises, especially to those looking to get more in-depth.

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Learn America's Hottest New Sport--And Have Fun Doing It!!In-line skating is fun and easy to learn.It's also a great low-impact way to get your heart and legs in shape.The Complete In-Line Skater is the perfect skater's companion.Written by an experienced teacher, this book tells you everything you need to know about equipment, basic and advanced skating techniques, safety and improving fitness.Over 100 professional line drawings help illustrate the text, which includes chapters on:Equipment: The most popular models and how to select and care for the right skates for youBasic striding, turning and stopping techniquesAdvanced techniques to master the sport--even cross train for skiing or hockey!Maneuvers to handle curbs, potholes, and other obstaclesA skater's workout to build stamina and strengthPains and strains: how to avoid themList of skating terms, organizations and publications

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The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look Review

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(More customer reviews)In the sea of so called 'fashion experts', Farr is a real standout. Her approach to style differs greatly in that it instructs women how to honestly assess their wardrobes and logically pinpoint their individual body type. She clarifies how to flatter any figure (including plus sizes), incorporate trends and individual style, mix and match pieces, shop on a budget and avoid falling victim to common fashion mishaps. The book isn't limited to just clothing - bras, stockings accessories and tips from beauty experts are also thoroughly covered. Best of all there are pages and pages of tips, places to shop and stylist secret weapons that even the most fashion savvy girl probably doesn't know. My favorite section of the book is 'Your Tailor is Your Best Friend' which details everything from having a garment fit to having a piece custom made. Unlike other guides I have read, this book is written without condescension and truly aims to make all women feel beautiful and stylish. This book is not only an incredibly useful tool but is also a great read. Farr writes with humor and gives the reader a number of hilarious personal, real women and celebrity anecdotes.
This is without a doubt the fashion guide to buy. I have given a few copies as gifts and my friends loved it too.

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A celebrity fashion stylist reveals the tricks of her trade and shows women of all sizes how to pull together their own polished, individual look. Whether she's petite, average, or plus size, every woman has experienced the frustration of searching for flattering clothes. In The Pocket Stylist every reader can have a consultation with her own personal stylist and use the author's behind-the-scenes wardrobe wisdom: - Taking her true measurements—from eight different body zones—to ensure an attractive fit based on the reader's unique silhouette and the proportions that will flatter it best - Why ready-to-wear isn't, and how and when to use a tailor for a custom fit - The best fabrics for your unique silhouette - How to balance trends with the classic, indispensable pieces that are the backbone of any well-conceived wardrobe - What "closet archaeology" can unearth and reveal about your wardrobe needs - Why the right lingerie makes a critical difference in the fit of your clothes - Tips from other experts on the beauty principles that ground your everyday look— Bobbi Brown and Sonja Kashuk for makeup and Kevin Mancuso for hair—offer backstage access - Accessories that give an outfit an individual look and that no versatile wardrobe should be without
Best of all, The Pocket Stylist features specifically edited shopping lists for various body types. Four "styled" looks for each silhouette—from jeans-casual to cocktails—illustrate ideal proportion and fit. The reader becomes Kendall Farr's client and will learn to shop and dress herself like a pro. The Pocket Stylist delivers the behind the camera expertise of a veteran stylist in one purse-size indispensable guide.

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Inside Tap: Technique and Improvisation for Today's Tap Dancer Review

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(More customer reviews)I was trained in traditional and flash tap dancing, so I knew very little about rhythm tap. This book goes over the basics of tap and many traditional tap steps. What makes it so great, though, are the in-depth explanations of rhythm, dynamics, syncopation, accents, and new forms of tap, including rhythm tap and orchestrated tap. The explanations are clear and easy and the practice exercises are excellent. This is a must-have book for anyone wishing to expand their tap knowledge and artistry.

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This comprehensive guide to tap offers traditional and improvisational instruction for the beginner and new, innovative material for the intermediate and advanced dancer. It reviews the basics, and then progresses through creativity and musicality, rhythm, dynamics, and syncopation. Traditional steps such as the Shim Sham Shimmy are taught as well as contemporary tap. Easy-to-follow descriptions are given for each step.

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Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and Sign Review

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(More customer reviews)Understanding elusive animals is a bit like being a detective: all you have are the clues they've left behind. As a professional ecologist, I heartily recommend "Tracking and the art of seeing" to anyone interested in the outdoors. Paul (and Paulette!) have created a marvelous contribution to both science and art. I especially appreciate Paul's emphasis on using all of your senses effectively, which is the most difficult skill to master.
Sounds like a 5 star review so far, right? Unfortunately, I feel compelled to warn those who live west of the Mississippi that Paul does not discuss some of the West's most noteworthy animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep (he does discuss Dall sheep), pronghorn, prairie dogs, badgers, and so on. Likewise, Paul does not include domestic cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, although I've discovered that novices can often mistake these for wild ungulates.
Nevertheless, "Tracking and the art of seeing" is a wonderful example of what an outdoor reference can be: a source of both information and inspiration. It deserves an honored place on your shelf, or in your pack!

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Ballet: From the First Plie to Mastery, An Eight-Year Course Review

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(More customer reviews)this is a perfect guide for a syallabus for a dance school.
That is what I'm doing with it. I am a professional ballet dancer that has danced with major dance companies in the USA. I needed a good guide to teach young beginners I am teaching.This book is a perfect guide in teaching young beginners through to advance students. The stretches taught are real perks for the students to gain the flexibility they need for the years new steps. Also the strenghtening back exercises are exactly what children need in order to do arabesques and other steps. I am also a pilates instructor and these stretches and strengthening floor exercises are perfect. I wouldn't reccommend this book to a child since it is very detailed in words but to a 12-13year old that likes to read and dance it might be just what she likes! and it will give her some good pointers.
Best of luck
T.T.

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This text is designed as a complement to a beginning student's ballet training. The book opens with a brief description of the benefits of ballet training to young dancers, and then introduces fundamentals and precepts of the technique. Clear photographs show exactly how to execute each movement. Then an eight-year course is presented, taking the student from the age of five or six through the teen years, outlining exactly what is to be taught and how it is to be performed. For ballet students, their parents and their teachers, this work gives a basic overview of ballet technique that should be a useful reference as well as a guide to training.

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The International Marine Book of Sailing Review

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(More customer reviews)For thirty years I sailed as a licensed Captain, teaching students to sail, and I wish I had had Robby Robinson's new book. I looked high and low to find a book that would be useful for the beginners aboard GERONIMO but was never satisfied, so I taught without a text.
The great advantage to Robby's book is that he makes you want to step on board a boat - any boat - and go sailing; and he keeps it simple. "Begin at the beginning. Go sailing. Experience is the best teacher, and it makes the best sailors." When I was a boy my friends and I got into small boats and went sailing anytime anyone would let us. Adults may be more hesitant to take up a new activity, but I have known great sailors who had never seen the ocean until they were full grown.
Robby invites the reader to go sailing, then he tells how to sail in clear, reassuring prose. The illustrations in the book are excellent, but if you only read the text you will understand. Robby tells you how to choose a boat and how to step on board and follow the routine that all sailors use to get underway. The way the book is set up, the beginner can go in stages. He can go sailing, fumble around, go back to the book to clear up his confusion, and then go back out on the water. Every chapter of the book is written to build confidence. Those of us with more experience can use the book as a reference. Sailing instructors can use the book as a lesson plan and have their novice sailors read the book at night.
Once the beginner learns to get underway, enjoy a sail, and return home safely, the sailing can stay reasonably simple or it can get very complicated. Yet as the activity grows in complexity, there is no reason for the novice to get discouraged. As the book proceeds to instruction on safety, navigation, and racing the new sailor is right there and never confused - walk, jog, then run. Robby has the chapters in the right order - learn to sail, learn seamanship and navigation, learn to race, and then go to sea. If you want to maximize the pleasure of sailing, you have to race and hone your skills in competition, and the chapter on racing is excellent. The final chapters are about cruising offshore. Racing offshore is left for more advanced books. Maybe Robby will write one.


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Here's the book that can get you sailing in an afternoon and keep you sailing better through a lifetime on the water

This is the first sailing book that follows a sailor's ideal learning curve. Rather than tell you all about sail trim or anchoring in a single chapter, Robby Robinson tells you what you need to know when you want to know it. From the absolute basics to the most advanced techniques, the International Marine Book of Sailing is highly accessible--and informative--at every level.

More than 500 pages and 1,000 color photos and illustrations.
Covers everything from high-performance and Olympic-class sailing dinghies to coastal and offshore cruising sailboats. No matter your age or the kind of sailing you'd most like to do, this book will work for you.
The easy-flowing instructional text is augmented by sidebar features giving alternative approaches, definitions of terms, and boat-to-boat variations--a uniquely effective how-to combination.
Includes contributions from Nigel Calder (Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual), Beth Leonard (The Voyager's Handbook), Robert Perry (Yacht Design According to Perry), Bob Sweet (The Weekend Navigator), Charlie Wing (How Boat Things Work), and other top sailing writers.
Renders sailing and seamanship more transparent and accessible than ever before.
The ideal book for self-teaching.

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Oregon Descents A Backcountry Ski Guide To The Southern Cascades Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is extreamly well writen and inspires confidance. I've used the book more than once to organize a backcoutry tele trip with friends and they are always impressed with the routes we take. And the pictures are wonderful.

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A backcountry skier's guide to classic Cascade descents ranging from Southern Washington through Oregon to Northern California.

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Have Fun Playing Hand Drums: A Book and Cd for Playing the Djembe, Conga, and Bongo Drums (The Ultimate Beginner Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is well illustrated and the accompanying CD is excellent for learning and playing along with - the exercises are played several times so you can get the feel of the sound and practice with the CD. The exercises and patterns are carefully graduated. There are also a number of play-along tracks to get more experience. I would also recommend this book for players of other instruments to get a good grounding in rhythm sense. This book followed by Richie Gajate-Garcia's "Play Bongos & Hand Percussion Now" is the best course for learning bongos I know of. Gajate-Garcia's book will take you to more complex rhythms and patterns useful for nearly every setting.

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This book and audio package is for all beginners (children to fun-loving adults) who want to learn how to play the bongos, congas and djembe drums in a fun and musical way. Subjects covered include hearing the beat, listening to drum sounds, playing with groups, creating new rhythms, and The Drum Walk (to help build complete body coordination). Also covered are simple African and Caribbean rhythms to help take you to the next level of hand drumming. The CD contains audio versions of all lessons and inspiring play-along drumming music. Fully illustrated and highly user-friendly, this method is perfect for both classroom use and at-home drumming.

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