A textbook for college and university general education and dance students. Also applicable for high schools offering beginning musical theatre dance courses.
Diana Dart Harris has more than 24 years of experience teaching dance to students of all ages. She is a professor and musical theatre choreographer at the University of New Haven. She is trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap dance and has performed in musicals. Harris was artistic director of New Haven Ballet's Nutcracker and assistant director of a musical theatre organization. She is a board member of the Connecticut Dance Alliance. Harris earned a bachelor of arts degree in dance education from Goucher College and a master of science degree in exercise physiology from Southern Connecticut State University.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Musical Theatre Dance Defining Musical Theatre Dance Unique Features of Musical Theatre Dance Types of Musical Theatre Benefits of Studying Musical Theatre Dance Basics of Musical Theatre Dance Class Expectations for Students Structure of Musical Theatre Dance Class Summary Chapter 2. Preparing for Class Dressing for Class Shoes for Musical Theatre Dance Foot Care and Personal Hygiene Carrying Dance Gear Preparing Yourself Physically and Mentally Summary Chapter 3. Safety and Health Studio Safety Personal Safety Basic Anatomy Preventing Injuries Treating Common Dance Injuries Training Versus Fitness Nutrition, Hydration, and Rest Summary Chapter 4. Learning and Performing Musical Theatre Dance Language of Musical Theatre Dance Learning Steps, Phrases, and Dances Understanding Musicality Understanding Artistry and Artistic Development Summary Chapter 5. Basics of Musical Theatre Dance Technique Warm-Up Exercises Foot Positions on the Floor Port de Bras and Arm Positions Stationary Exercises Center Work Partnering and Lifting Combinations Summary Chapter 6. From the Audition to the Stage The Audition Process Theatre Protocols, Etiquette, and Safety Theatre Staff and Hierarchy Preparing to Take the Stage Summary Chapter 7. History of Musical Theatre Dance Origins of Musical Theatre Dance Dance Director Era Choreographer Era Integration Musical Era Concept Musicals and Director-Choreographers Tap Musicals, Revivals, and Dance Musicals Musical Theatre in the 21st Century Summary
Featured at various dance events throughout the UK and Europe. Reviews in UK and European dance websites, magazines and journals including Dancing Times, Dance UK, Dance Today and Dance Europe. Solus emails, inclusion in online newsletters and posted on Human Kinetics' Health and Fitness Blog.
