Physics and the Art of Dance: Understanding Movement / Edition 2

by Kenneth Laws, Arleen Sugano

Overview

Dancers and observers of dance are increasingly craving an understanding of how the body moves the way it does. Seldom has there been an author like Ken Laws with both the physics background and the dance training to be able to apply both perspectives to the subject. The book gives examples of movements which apply physics principles to improve technical skill and artistry. In this second edition of a classic text, new "what you see" and "what you do" sections describe point-by-point what dancers should do and feel when performing the observed movements correctly.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195341010
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/02/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)

About the Author

Kenneth Laws is Professor Emeritus of Physics at Dickinson College. He has been active in the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and has instructed Dickinson students in ballet throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He is the author of two books about physics and dance and is the leading expert on the subject.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Martha SwopePreface1. Introduction2. Balance3. Motions Without Turns4. Pirouettes5. Turns in the Air6. The Pas de Deux7. The Mechanics of Partnered Turns8. The Mechanics of Lifts9. The Effects of Body Size10. A Step into the FutureAppendix A - Linear Mechanics and Newton's LawsAppendix B - Rotational MechanicsAppendix C - Anatomical Data for DancersAppendix D - Rotational Inertia for Some Body ConfigurationsAppendix E - Acceleration Away from BalanceAppendix F - Off-Balance PirouettesAppendix G - Arabesque Turn AnalysisAppendix H - Quantitative Analysis of the Grande PirouetteAppendix I - Quantitative Analysis of the Fouetté TurnAppendix J - Quantitative Analysis of the Supported Fouetté TurnAppendix K - Lean, Don't SlipAppendix L - Biomechanical Forces in a Dancer's BodyGlossaryIndex

Editorial Reviews

"[L]ucid, friendly, and to the point. Laws obviously knows his ballet as well as his physics...This book will surely have immense value to dancers...[F]ascinating to see physical principles applied in such practical detail to positioning the human body in the beautiful and abstract movement of the ballet."—Physics Today

"[T]his volume provides clear explanations of the physical laws that describe the way nature controls balance, leaps, pirouettes, lifts, and turns; the effect of body size on ballet technique; and the relationship between the science and dance...Excellent photographs and diagrams illustrate the text. Providing a new understanding of the application of physics to ballet that results in better and safer performances, this valuable resource is accessible to students and general readers as well as dance scholars, faculty, and professional dancers."—Choice

"Physics and the Art of Dance should be read by all dancers, choreographers and dance teachers. Dance artists and dance scientists will delight in the new information. The puzzlers at the beginning of each chapter motivate the reader to find logical answers. Photographs by Martha Swope are elegant; the tables and glossary are excellent. This book will be required reading for all my students."—Janice Plastino, University of California at Irvine

"Ken Laws seems to me to be an important ambassador coming to dance from the world of science. He is our interpreter and all his explanations of the physical laws are informed by, and infused with, his great love of dance and dancers." —Francia Russell, Pacific Northwest Ballet

"Which came first, gravity, human rhythmic movement, Newton's laws of motion, classical ballet, an understanding of the physics of dance, or an appreciation of the aesthetics of ballet? Which one? And does it matter? Ken Laws in this most remarkable book juxtaposes all the concepts above resulting in a clarification, enhancement and appreciation of the beauty of both ballet and physics. Laws make use of first-rates photographs and illustrations to illuminate and inform the reader resulting in a superior enjoyment of both ballet and physics."—Brian Schwartz, Professor of Physics and Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

"Laws' book is fascinating to read and one of the finest examples of the marriage of science and art in the literature today."—Gigi Berardi, author of Finding Balance

"Explains your steps in scientific terms...The practical lessons will surely help you out in ballet, and science class, too."—Dance Spirit Magazine

From the Publisher