Which Dance Book is Better?

Question

Hey, I've been looking at two dance books by Eric Franklin. They are:

1. Conditioning for Dance.

2. Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance.

You see, I saw these two books and everyone gives good reviews for both but which one is better? I can't find them any where in Australia so I have to order it online. And are they helpful, because I really don't want to waste my money and I'm on a tight budget at the moment. (it'll cost a bit too because of postage and packaging and the Australian dollar isn't that great at the moment). Can someone please help? Thanks.

Answer 1

If you are already taking dance classes both would be helpful in their own contexts. The Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance is very useful for proper use of your body as a dancer. There's also a chapter on the Sweigard Techniques which is I'm a big fan of (if you decided to get the book, master the constructive rest by Sweigard, and it will help you as a dancer - in learning how to rest your body for more efficient use of it). We used the book by Lulu Sweigard in college in our most of all our dance classes, along with Alexander Technique and Pilate. There's an Alexander Technique there that you might want to check out:  http://www.austat.org.au/content/view/12...  

Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance is helpful if you are doing Modern, Post-Modern, Lyrical, Improvisation, Expressive dance - I don't know if it will be as helpful for Ballet or Jazz.

Conditioning for Dance, you could just do more of what you do in class, or ask you instructor for help in a more efficient way of working out.

Answer 2

it depends what you want. they are both very good books. if you want to know how to condition for dance then get that one, but if you want to know more about dance technique then get that one. :]