Sunday March 24, 2013 Dance to your own beat at the library

Whether you’re doing the Twist, the Macarena, or the Harlem Shake, dancing is a great way to burn calories and have fun. The Thunder Bay Public Library has books, music and movies that will help you bust a move. Learn how to dance or try something new with one of these great instructional books.  

Bellydance by Dolphina guides you through different bellydancing moves with colourful pictures of people performing each dance. This book provides you with information and stretches to prepare you for your bellydancing experience. Fans of the show will enjoy Guy Phillips book Dancing with the Stars: jive, salsa, and tango your way into the best shape of your life. This book includes pictures and facts from behind the scenes, tips from dances performed on the show and a dance workout. Gotta Ballroom by Christine Zona and Chris George is a step by step guide to the waltz, tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz. Learn about different footwork, combinations and stylings then watch the accompanying DVD to see each dance performed live by the instructors. The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden takes you though the different techniques and traditions of ballet. This book is great for anyone who is interested in starting ballet or would like to perfect their technique. Ballet enthusiasts may also be interested in the book Passion to Dance: The National Ballet of Canada or Apollo’s Angels: a history of ballet.  The Library also has a variety of instructional and workout DVD’s such as Learn to Dance, Cardio Dance for Weight Loss, Tap Dancing for Beginners, The Magic of Ballroom Dancing and You Can Bellydance! 

Find your own rhythm with music from our CD collection. Albums such as Nothing But The Beat 2.0 by David Guetta, Thriller by Michael Jackson, Bamboleo!: The best of Latin Ballroom and Jingle Dress, volume 2, are sure to get you up and moving. Don’t forget about listening to soundtracks from popular dance movies including High School Musical, Step Up, Flashdance, and Chicago.

 
Not in the mood for dancing or need a little inspiration, then check out one of these movies. Once you start watching it will be hard not to get up and start dancing along. Start at Rydell High where you can sing and dance with Sandy, Danny, the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds, in the movie Grease.  Then watch Tracy Turnblad as she dances her way onto the Corny Collins show in the movie Hairspray. You’ll have the time of your life when you watch Dirty Dancing; during a summer holiday Frances “Baby” Houseman finds herself learning how to dance and filling in as the partner for her dreamy instructor Johny Castle.

Adapted from Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is about Maria and Tony, two teens from rival gangs who fall in love. After watching the Jets and the Sharks battle in the streets of New York, check out Mad Hot Ballroom, the documentary that follows kids from 60 different public schools in New York City as they learn to ballroom dance and compete in a city wide competition.  More suggestions for dance movies include Singin’ in the Rain, All that Jazz, Seven Brides for SevenBrothers and Top Hat. All of these movies are available at the Thunder Bay Public Library.

 
Visit the Library today and pick up these great books, music and movies. Dancing shoes not included.
 
Lindsey Long