A Map of Making Dances - Softcover

Hodes, Stuart

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1880157616 ISBN 13: 9781880157619

Publisher: Scarecrow Pr, 1998

Synopsis

This all-inclusive guide to the art of creating dance moves and routines, written by the advisor and former dancer of the Martha Graham School and company, contains 247 projects that guide the user through a myriad of topics. Concepts and techniques such as form, sequencing, variation, surrealism, abstract movement, improvisation, ritual and ceremony, space, and floor patterns are examined and explained, encouraging the student to experiment and create with movement.

About this title

About the Author

Stuart Hodesis School Advisor for the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in New York City.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Forward by Paul Taylor

As an experienced guide leading us across the scenic if somewhat bumpy terrain of making dances, my admirable friend Stuart Hodes cannot be beat. This book that he calls a map, however, is much more than a how-to book. It is a whole atlas, one that his old boss and mentor Martha Graham might have called a "landscape of the heart." The creative projects included (count 'em, 247!) are described in a voice that reveals the author's deep commitment and devotion to dance, the joys of serving his chosen profession, his generosity, and his upbeat view of life. Indeed, the voice of our friendly guide is strongly autobiographical.

Along the way a little dance history is offered and notable dancemakers pointed out (see index under Taylor), all in a voice that is clear, enthusiastic, down to earth, sensible, and blessedly free of theoretical clap trap. We are entertained with personal experiences and tickled by appropriate anecdotes. His extensive research has verified a pratically photographic memory, one that might otherwise be mistaken for pure fantasy. But, as an indication that our guide not being above error, he occasionally admits to being a little unsure of his facts. This is a most satisfying trait to reveal, in as there is nothing more human than to err, and, in doing so, our momentarily confused leader gives us a opportunities to feel connected to him, if not superior.

Over the years the only discussion on which my old friend and I have tended to disagree concerns the knotty matter of who deserves the title of the World's Greatest Dancemaker of All Time: him or me? Anyway, whichever of us he believes it to be, an endearing humility has prevented him from tooting his own horn throughout these pages.

Seriously, though, this is a great book by a great guide, and that's the honest truth. Enjoy your trip!

Paul Taylor

Edition details

• Publisher: Scarecrow Pr
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1880157616
• ISBN 13: 9781880157619
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 293