Thinking, Sensing and Doing in Latin American Dancing by Ruud Vermey is a comprehensive reference on the theory, technique, and artistic principles of International Latin DanceSport. Rather than concentrating solely on dance figures, the book explores how movement, rhythm, expression, partnering, choreography, and performance combine to create effective Latin dancing.
Across 192 pages, the author examines the physical, intellectual, and artistic aspects of competitive Latin dancing. Topics include movement mechanics, body awareness, communication between partners, choreography, creativity, judging, dance education, rhythm, musical interpretation, and the distinctive characteristics of the five International Latin dances.
Suitable for dancers, coaches, adjudicators, and dance teachers, this ebook provides a structured discussion of Latin DanceSport from both technical and theoretical perspectives. It is an excellent reference for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of competitive Latin dancing beyond learning figures alone.
Table of Contents
Front Matter
- Dedication
- Acknowledgments
- Preface
- Introduction
Chapter 1 – Competitive Latin American Dance
- The Ambivalence of Competition
- Coach and/or Judge?
- Dancers and Persons
- Approaches to Competitive Dancing
- Competition
- The Question of Authenticity
Chapter 2 – Institutional Structures
- Audience / Performer Relationship
- Technique
- Judging
Chapter 3 – Expression – Feeling – Emotion
- Imagined Emotion
- Symbolic Expression
- Social Environment
- Aesthetic Expression
- Abstraction
- Form and Content
Chapter 4 – Dance Education
- Learning and Unlearning
- Cognition and Skill
- Creativity
- Choreography
Chapter 5 – Non-Verbal Communication
- Body Language
- Male and Female Roles
- Comparative Nature of Movement
Chapter 6 – Movement
- Body Action
- Dynamics
- Weight
- Time
- Flow
- Space and Direction
- Relationships
Chapter 7 – Basic Characteristics of the Five Latin Dances
- Samba
- Cha-Cha-Cha
- Rumba
- Paso Doble
- Jive
- Characterization
- Degrees of Quality
- The Dramatic Conflict in Dance
Chapter 8 – Beyond Physicality
- You and Your Partner
- Balance
- Rhythm
- The “Centered” Human Being
Appendix
- Historical Development of Views on Expression
- Concepts of Creativity
- Notes
- Bibliography
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