A global history of couple dancing in commercial venues in the era of the two world wars.

By the 1920s, much of the world was ‘dance mad,’ as dancers from Buenos Aires to Tokyo, from Manchester to Johannesburg and from Chelyabinsk to Auckland, engaged in the Charleston, the foxtrot and a whole host of other fashionable dances. Worlds of social dancing examines how these dance cultures spread around the globe at this time and how they were altered to suit local tastes. As it looks at dance as a ‘social world’, the book explores the social and personal relationships established in encounters on dance floors on all continents. It also acknowledges the impact of radio and (sound) film as well as the contribution of dance teachers, musicians and other entertainment professionals to the making of the new dance culture.

"Introduces beginning and intermediate dancers to the exciting world of social and ballroom dance, Each chapter provides a brief overview of dance history and then focuses on the dance's rhythm, style, and steps, providing tudents with an understanding of and appreciating for social dane technique" (from cover)

In the final installment of his Word Dances series, Joseph Sepesy concludes his narration about social ballroom dancing, a fun activity that can be mastered and enjoyed by anyone. Through new anecdotes, verse, and references, Sepesy reflects on the genres of dance; the seductive music that beckons dancers to the floor; the learning process of dance; the romance and humor that accompanies social ballroom dancing; and the challenges he continues to face as he deals with advancing nerve damage and PTSD. With the intent of invoking smiles, he also offers epigraphs, commentary, and quotations to help dancers of all levels realize the relevancy of their own ballroom adventures. Included is a list of over four hundred songs that seduce and demand that dancers take to the floor as well as several short stories that utilize memorable characters to bring social ballroom dancing to life. Word Dances V shares short tales, thoughts, and verse that guide social ballroom dancers to revisit the memories and emotions surrounding their experiences on the dance floor.

An introduction to popular dance, from ballroom to hip-hop, discussing the history, styles, and famous dancers and choreographers.