Even if you only have a few days to yourself over the winter break it is fun to be able to take time to sit down and do some reading and a wonderful time to expose your mind to some new ideas and knowledge. The more we are able to stimulate our minds, the more we will be able to stimulate the minds of those around us, especially our students. For many people there is a bit of a letdown after the holiday season so it can be very helpful if we have some new ideas and can make everyone feel excited about the New Year.

I have a list of dance books that I think are interesting and definitely worth reading. Top of my list for this year are:

1)    Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

This book shows the tremendous journey that this young man took from a life of poverty in China to dancing on the world stage. Because of his family’s love and courage he was able to use his talent and determination to follow his dreams. It demonstrates the stark contrast between Communist China and the western world. I found it extremely inspiring for any dancer to read and in my own personal case because I was brought up in Hong Kong, it took me back to some of my childhood memories. This book definitely portrays a triumph of the human spirit and is hard to put down.

2)    Tap – The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and their stories 1900-1955 by Rusty E Frank.

What an interesting book this is. I love it because it really helps the reader to see the different personalities and gives some wonderful stories of stars such as Ruby Keeler, Donald O’Connor, Bunny Briggs, Shirley Temple and Hermes Pan (Fred Astaire’s choreographer) amongst many others. These performers worked in many different locations and venues from Vaudeville and Burlesque to Movies and in countless other places. To quote the author, 'TAP is not meant to be a history of tap, rather it is the story of tap – an everlasting tribute to those people who made tap dancing their passion and profession.' Steve and I had the honor of performing with Bunny Briggs and admired him tremendously as a performer but also as a wonderful and kind human being. Great reading!

3)    Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans

Jennifer Homans is a historian and critic who was also a professional dancer. From a historical point of view, this book is incredibly interesting. It takes you through the ages from the beginnings of Ballet to the Balanchine era. She traces the evolution of technique, choreography and performance. The big question she raises is whether or not Ballet will survive and this is at the center of this moving story. Because of her own dance background she is able to transport you with deeper emotion than someone who lacks hands on knowledge. Whatever your thoughts may be on Ballet, I am of the opinion, that like all forms of dance it will constantly be evolving but never completely letting go of the deep classical roots and I wouldn’t want it any other way. However, that’s what makes reading this so interesting as everyone is free to form their own opinions. Enjoy this book.

4)    Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology by Karen Clippinger MSPE

I like to use this book as one of my reference books. It is helpful to any teacher or student as it gives clear examples of all the areas of the body and how they should be worked. You are systematically taken through every area of the body in straightforward terminology. This book is a must to help dance teachers to continue to educate themselves about the body and to help with injury prevention. It is extremely relevant to dance and uses Ballet terminology in many instances. It will be useful to any dance teacher to better identify technical problems in his or her students and also gives ideas on how to strengthen the appropriate areas. Ms Clippinger concentrates on suggesting ways to help dancers use their bodies in a more productive way without losing the artistry.