Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition (Flying Down to Rio / The Gay Divorcee / Roberta / Top Hat / Follow the Fleet / Swing Time / Shall We Dance / Carefree / The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle / The Barkleys of Broadway)

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2006 marks the arrival of five Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films (Flying Down to Rio, The Gay Divorcee, Roberta, Carefree, and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle) on DVD after the first five were released in 2005. The big package is this Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition, which contains all 10 films plus a CD, a bonus DVD with the documentary Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm, press-book replicas, and some other material. If you want the big package with the extra stuff but already bought the five films in 2005, you can get the Astaire & Rogers Partial Ultimate Collector's Edition, which includes everything except the actual discs of those first five films. Or, if you only want the five new films, pick up Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 2 as a bookend to Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1.

The Astaire-Rogers films mix light romantic comedy (usually centered around mistaken identities and ending, inevitably, in blissful wedding promises) with elegant dinner wear and surreal sets intended to transport '30s audiences away from the Depression to such locales as Rio, Paris, and Venice. The two stars are also aided by a recurring stable of RKO players such as Edward Everett Horton (master of the double-take), Eric Blore, and Helen Broderick. And then there's that sensational dancing set to great songs by the likes of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, and Jerome Kern, numbers that are not merely entertaining but also innovative for their time in that they reveal character and advance the plot. Add it all up, and you have a recipe for an irrepressible joie de vivre that practically defines the movie musical.

Flying Down to Rio (1933) headlined Dolores Del Rio and Gene Raymond, but it was the fourth- and fifth-billed stars who would rewrite cinematic history. Astaire and Rogers had limited screen time, but were still able to establish many of the trademarks of their later films. The heart of the film is "The Carioca," a company dance extravaganza in which they take the floor together for the first time; their eyes meet and their foreheads touch. Their dance lasts only a few minutes, but it was the highlight of the film and audiences wanted more. The Gay Divorcee (1934) is their best early picture, a loose adaptation of Astaire's stage show, 'The Gay Divorce.' The only song retained for the movie is Cole Porter's smash hit "Night and Day," which is the setting for a sublime pas de deux between Fred and Ginger. The closer is the sprawling 17-minute ensemble number "The Continental." Roberta (1935) was a step backward, with too much time spent on 1930s Parisian fashion and the romance between top-billed Irene Dunne (who gets the best Jerome Kern ballads, "Yesterdays" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes") and Randolph Scott. But as the second-banana couple Astaire and Rogers still get a tap battle, a romantic duet, and plenty of comic banter.

With a score by Irving Berlin, Top Hat (1935) is most famous for two numbers, Astaire's definitive tuxedo setting "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails" and the feathery duet "Cheek to Cheek." But other joys include Astaire's "Fancy Free" declaration, "Isn't It a Lovely Day," and the grand finale "The Piccolino." Follow the Fleet (1936) changes the pace a bit, with Astaire playing a sailor, and it suffers from making him and Rogers the second-banana couple to the dull Randolph Scott and Harriet Hilliard. But it still has plenty of laughs and some classic Irving Berlin numbers, including "Let Yourself Go," which Rogers sings before she and Astaire compete in a dance contest; a Rogers solo tap number; "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket," their best comic dance. The pièce de résistance is "Let's Face the Music and Dance," a show within a show in which the pair dons their customary evening formals. Effortlessly flowing from pantomime to song to dance, this sublime piece of storytelling is one of the series' defining moments. Maybe their most enjoyable picture, Swing Time (1936) features the set-piece "Pick Yourself Up," in which Rogers "teaches" Astaire to dance before they break into a spectacular number; the farewell ode "Never Gonna Dance," and the Oscar-winning "Just the Way You Look Tonight," from the team of Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields.

Shall We Dance (1937) has a complex plot that has Astaire and Rogers actually getting married before the final credits roll, and turns George and Ira Gershwin's brilliant "They Can't Take That Away from Me" into a heartbreaking ode. Other great songs include "Slap That Bass," "They All Laughed," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," unforgettably performed on roller skates. The eighth and ninth entries in the series tried some different approaches, with the underrated Carefree (1938) more of a comedy vehicle for Ginger (yet still including some fine dances and Irving Berlin songs as well as their first onscreen kiss) and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) portraying the pair as historical dancing stars and using a score of turn-of-the-century standards. The Barkleys of Broadway (1949) is the oddity, reuniting the stars 10 years after their last RKO picture when Judy Garland had to be replaced due to health problems. It's trademark MGM: splashy colors, Fred in a gimmicky solo number (playing sorcerer's apprentice to a line of unoccupied shoes), Oscar Levant providing his usual dynamic pianism and acerbic personality, and a score that is at its best when it borrows songs from a previous generation (including the big ballroom number set to "They Can't Take That Away from Me"). The film falls short of their best work, but serves as a fond remembrance of the most glorious partnership in film history. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

wonderful Edition.......2007-08-27

This is a wonderful edition with all movies of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with bonus features (Trailer, Cartons, Short Movies, a documentary on bonus DVD, Reprints of Lobbycards + 1 Audio CD with any soundtracks. But I do missing "The Piccolino" Soundrack.

Dazzling and Beautiful.......2007-04-20

Ibelieve everything has been said already of Rogers and Astaire.The two together on the screen is magical and entertaining.Funny whitty beautiful.The music by some othe greatest composer such as Berlin costumes by the best of Hollywood is a treat for the eyes.You will not be dissapointed,when you are feeling low his will make you sore to the sky.Get it.

A set of classics.......2007-02-28

If you enjoy Fred & Ginger, you need their entire set of these classics. The dialogue can be a little corny at times, but so was yours when you were young. They practiced for hours, and it shows.

BEWARE!.......2007-02-19

Twice I ordered this set for my wife, and each time the package arrived with DVDs missing from the set! All the containers were there, but as many as five (5) DVDs were gone. What a joke. I gave up and purchased the set at Borders. Does Amazon care? Never heard from them.

a thesaurus of musicals in a package for musicals lovers.......2007-02-19

each movie starring Fred and Ginger can be considered as a jewel; so is this collector's edition with bonus of value ( many photographs "off screen", newspapers articles,...) certainly collected by a true lover who aimed to enjoy the buyer.

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway)

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Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway
JAR
GREAT MOVIES!
the astaire collection volume 1
A Real Classic

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway)
Starring: Fred Astaire , Ginger Rogers , Edward Everett Horton , Erik Rhodes , and Eric Blore
Director: Mark Sandrich , and George Stevens
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009NSCR6
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Amazon.com

Fans of classic movie musicals will be in heaven with Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1, featuring the DVD debut of five films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the quintessential dancing duo. The two gems of the set are Top Hat (1935), generally considered their definitive movie, and Swing Time (1936), which many consider their most enjoyable. Follow the Fleet (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), and The Barkleys of Broadway (1949) fill out the set, each with its own charms.

Follow the Fleet

With a score by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is most famous for two numbers, Astaire's definitive tuxedo setting "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails" and the feathery duet "Cheek to Cheek." But other joys include Astaire's "Fancy Free" declaration, "Isn't It a Lovely Day," and the grand finale "The Piccolino." Favorite musical moments in Swing Time include the set-piece "Pick Yourself Up," in which Rogers "teaches" Astaire to dance before they break into a spectacular number; the farewell ode "Never Gonna Dance," and the Oscar-winning "Just the Way You Look Tonight," from the team of Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields.

Swing Time

Follow the Fleet changes the pace a bit, with Astaire playing a sailor, and it suffers from making him and Rogers the second-banana couple to the dull Randolph Scott and Harriet Hilliard. But it still has plenty of laughs and some classic Irving Berlin numbers, including "Let Yourself Go," which Rogers sings before she and Astaire compete in a dance contest; a Rogers solo tap number; "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket," their best comic dance. The pièce de résistance is "Let's Face the Music and Dance," a show within a show in which the pair dons their customary evening formals. Effortlessly flowing from pantomime to song to dance, this sublime piece of storytelling is one of the series' defining moments. Shall We Dance has a complex plot that has Astaire and Rogers actually getting married before the final credits roll, and turns George and Ira Gershwin's brilliant "They Can't Take That Away from Me" into a heartbreaking ode. Other great songs include "Slap That Bass," "They All Laughed," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," unforgettably performed on roller skates. The Barkleys of Broadway is the oddity, reuniting the stars 10 years after their last RKO picture when Judy Garland had to be replaced due to health problems. It's trademark MGM: splashy colors, Fred in a gimmicky solo number (playing sorcerer's apprentice to a line of unoccupied shoes), Oscar Levant providing his usual dynamic pianism and acerbic personality, and a score that is at its best when it borrows songs from a previous generation (including the big ballroom number set to "They Can't Take That Away from Me"). The film falls short of their best work, but serves as a fond remembrance of the most glorious partnership in film history. --David Horiuchi

Description

You'll Love The Way Fred and Ginger Look Tonight in the 5-film, 5-Disc Astaire and Rogers Collection Volume One, including the highly acclaimed Top Hat and Swing Time.

Customer Reviews:

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway .......2007-07-25

Loved them all. Brings back memories of good times. Well worth the price in memories and escaping into the past if only momentarily.

JAR.......2007-05-15

I love Fred Astaire Movies, classic movies there's nothing like these type of movies. excellent....

GREAT MOVIES!.......2007-02-24

ARRIVED NEXT DAY I ORDERED THEM! VERY GOOD QUALITY OF MOVIES.

the astaire collection volume 1.......2007-02-20

Fred Astaire is unbeatable especially when paired with Ginger Rogers or Eleanor Powell. These are older films and of course not up to modern technical standards. However the charm and the eleghance and the excellence shine through- A must for a fan or collector.

A Real Classic.......2007-01-21

Very well done. A must have for anyone who loves the old films. Even my 10 year old son, enjoyed the dancing and singing. :-)

Average customer rating:

Silly to Sublime -- Or Swinging-- in Seconds
Swing Time
La crème de la crème.
Swing Time correction
Fred and Ginger at their best.

Swing Time
Starring: Fred Astaire , Ginger Rogers , Victor Moore , Helen Broderick , and Eric Blore
Director: George Stevens , and Friz Freleng
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009NSCQM
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Amazon.com essential video

If you only had one Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers film to watch, this classic musical from 1936 would be your best bet. It was the dance duo's sixth film together, and director George Stevens handled the material with as much flair behind the camera as Fred and Ginger displayed in front of it. This time out, Fred plays a gambling hoofer who's engaged to marry a young socialite (Betty Furness), but when he's late for the wedding his prospective father-in-law sends him away, demanding that he earn $25,000 before he can earn his daughter's hand in marriage. When Fred meets Ginger in a local dance studio (where he pretends to be a klutz so she can be his instructor), he's instantly smitten and the $25,000 deal becomes a moot point. Featuring six songs by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields (including a splendid rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight") and some of the most elegant dance sequences ever filmed, this lightweight fluff epitomizes the jazz-age style of 1930s musicals, virtually defining the genre with graceful joie de vivre. --Jeff Shannon

Description

It's Swing Time anytime Fred and Ginger slip on their dancing shoes. Here, Fred's a gambler with a fiancee back home...but one look at Ginger and all bets are off! He pursues, she resists, and it's all tied together by a series of breathtaking dances. "Bojangles of Harlem," a tribute to hoofer Bill Robinson, has Astaire tapping with three giant Astaire shadows. The sly "Pick Yourself Up" features Ginger teaching the supposedly flub-footed Fred how to dance. Other highlights from the splendid Jerome Kern-Dorothy Fields score include "A Fine Romance," "Waltz in Swing Time," and the Academy Award(R) winning "The Way You Look Tonight." George Stevens directs. Year: 1936 Director: George Stevens Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Victor Moore, Helen Broderick

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by John Mueller, Author of Astaire Dancing
Featurette:The Swing of Things: Swing Time Step by Step
Other:Musical Short Hotel a la Swing and Classic Cartoon Bingo Crosbyana

Customer Reviews:

Silly to Sublime -- Or Swinging-- in Seconds.......2007-07-28

Okay, let's make one thing clear: the ten movies Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made, for RKO Radio Pictures, as it was then called, all have silly plots, and "Swing Time" is no exception. But they are what they are, and all there is.

"Swing Time's" plot, if you can call it that, as cobbled together by Astaire's frequent writer/collaborators, Howard Lindsay and Allan Scott, revolves around cuffs on striped pants. But, as produced by Pandro S. Berman, who threw enough money at the screen for Astaire pictures -- the sets are lovely, cool, black and white, shadowed art nouveau creations; and as directed by Oscar-winning George Stevens, the plot keeps perking along for a swift 104 minutes. Music, by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, ranges from the happy "Pick Yourself Up," to the sublime, Oscar-winning "The Way You Look Tonight," and the moving "Never Gonna Dance." And then there's the dancing, never matched, never bettered.

Astaire and Rogers were still relatively new together at this point: Katherine Hepburn memorably quipped that he brought her class; she brought him sex appeal. But, having lost his first partner, his sister Adele, in a marriage to English nobility -- see "Royal Wedding," Astaire was reluctant to be assigned a steady partner again. The leads are backed by regulars from Astaire's Broadway, and vaudeville past. Victor Moore reprises his many comic roles, as do Eric Blore and Helen Broderick: and why was her character always called Madge or Mabel? A young Betty Furness makes one of her few big screen appearances, before getting chummy with Frigidaire. Georges Metaxa plays the usual Erik Rhodes part, as the swarthy suitor who loses Rogers to Astaire.

It's said that, great composer that he was, Kern didn't swing, and that's what Astaire always wanted from him. But Kern and Astaire surely swing in the great "Bojangles" number, with those dancing shadows on the curtains behind the hoofer. But beware, the politically correct: Astaire, not really that long out of vaudeville at this point, dons blackface for this.

Swing Time.......2007-06-21

George Stevens's classic Astaire-Rogers entry too often takes a back seat to the prior year's "Top Hat", and shouldn't, as it's every bit as good. The dancing sequences are unmatched in the series, particularly the "Bojangles of Harlem" number, and the gossamer Kern-Fields score includes the immortal "The Way You Look Tonight", and the overlooked "Never Gonna Dance", among others. Victor Moore provides appealing comic relief, along with "Top Hat" veterans Eric Blore and Helen Broderick. One of the screen's tip-top musicals.

La crème de la crème. .......2007-02-19

You cannot go wrong with any of the Fred and Ginger movies, but this one is la crème de la crème.

Why? As Eric Blore says, for the sheer heaven of the "Pick Yourself Up" number, as you watch their feet fly across the dance floor, with Fred in trademark formal attire (in the morning my dears but it fits the lighthearted plot!)and Ginger in the pert black and white knee length dress that lets you see with your very own eyes what an incredibly nimble partner she was for the incomparable Astaire.

This is the ultimate in their "we are making it up as we go along" dances. Fred - who is supposed to be having his first dance lesson of his life - bowls over Ginger and dance school owner Eric Blore by his fancy footwork to demonstrate just how much Ginger has "taught him" and thereby gets her job back for her. Ginger proves to be quite the quick study, as she more than holds her own with Fred.

The number displays many of Fred's concepts about how such dances should be filmed--with one camera that can pan but does not move, with three different tempos to keep things lively, and with action that moves the plot forward. By the end of the dance, Ginger has changed her mind about Fred, and has fallen in love, even though she will change her mind several more times before the final scene.

This is what dancing is meant to be. Watch Ginger watch Fred (which in addition to her agility on the dance floor is the secret to their on screen chemistry).

Why do other dance teams not get that? You aren't on the dance floor to show off how great you are to others; you are there to connect with your partner. That is why Fred's later dance in another film with Eleanor Powell, "Begin the Beguine", while a tour de force, in the end, doesn't work romantically. Powell is the best female dancer, but not the best PARTNER, that Fred ever danced with. She is way too into her own dancing to make us believe that she cares a fig for Fred or anyone else for that matter.

(As an aside, Powell is more believable romantically in her playful scenes with Jimmy Stewart in "Born to Dance"' perhaps she was less intimidated by his reputatin than by Fred's?)

In contrast, every time Ginger looks at Fred, we know that the world has become just the two of them and the rest of us are chopped liver.

If the couples in modern ballroom dance competitions would allow themselves to look at each other in this way, it would ratchet up the things, considerably.

Watch also how Ginger allows an air of frivolity and nonchalance to flash toward the camera.

Later in the film... No one ever looked as good shampooing her hair as does Ginger "Just the Way You Look Tonight". It is whipped cream by the way, not Fells Naphtha.

They dazzle us again in the lovely "Waltz in Swing Time." This time, we get to see a dance that, according to the plot, they had prepared ahead of time. It is a great combination of intricate steps, incorporating some of what they "made up" in "Pick Yourself Up". They end the dance by exiting off stage in a whirl of light and shadow, assisted by Venetian blinds, another Fred and Ginger trademark.

And no set in any movie before this was ever as gorgeously black and white as the grandly reopened 'Silver Sandal', in which they dance their adieux in "Never Gonna Dance"--the number famous for so many takes that it was the wee hours and Ginger's pumps were blood soaked by the time they finished it. They go up and down the double set of stairs, as the black-floored set sparkles all around them.

Enjoy the banter over "cuffs or no cuffs" and the remarkable change that comes over Betty Furness' father and household when they learn that Fred has a knack for making money. This is, after all, still the Great Depression.

But who would ever guess it, as Fred (in the part of Lucky Garnett) wins enough at gambling to make the stars and their costars Helen Broderick and Victor Moore look like a million bucks, as they motor off to the New Amsterdam in an open Dusenberg in the snow. Yes, only in Hollywood!

As the snow continues to fall, Fred and Ginger sing about their "Fine Romance" which makes it seem like they are never going to manage to sort out their differences, but wait for it, there will be a happy ending, this time in the form of a laughing finale.

This is just about the best medicine you can buy without a prescription. Enjoy!

Swing Time correction.......2007-02-07

It's always enjoyable to read about the Astaire-Rogers movies, and I thank Mr. Moore for his contributions to the old musicals. He made a glaring mistake, however, in his Swing Time review. He says it contains "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off.'' He refers to it as "perhaps their greatest comic song.''
"Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'' is from "Shall We Dance.'' The comedy number in "Swing Time'' is "A Fine Romance.''
Mike Whiteford and Jane Mathews

Fred and Ginger at their best........2007-01-27

If I had to choose my very favourite Fred & Ginger film, I'm not sure I could do it. But Swingtime would certainly be in the running for 1st place. I just love those two dancer/singer/actors and watching them dance across my TV screen, in any film is pure joy and a good 90 or so minutes spent.

Anyone Can Dance: Single Time Swing Jitterbug

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Anyone Can Dance: Single Time Swing Jitterbug
Starring: Single Time Swing Jitterbug
Manufacturer: Delta
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ASIN: B000CNGCGQ
Release Date: 2006-01-24

Description

SINGLE TIME SWING
JITTERBUG
Born in the era of Big Band, this particular type of dance is usually quite difficult to master on account of the sheer speed of the music. But with the step-by-step instruction of Dance Vision's Donald Johnson and Kasia Kozak, you will learn an easier way to dance to faster music. After this DVD, you will have no trouble keeping up to the music as you tuck and spin, lindy rock, and kick step your way across the dance floor.

Master the moves of the Big Band Era with this exciting dance instructional!

Color 109 min. SRP $9.99

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Outstanding Series

I'm a DANCING MACHINE!!!

Swing Dancing Starter Pack (3-DVD Set - Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Intermediate 1) (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Starring: Joanna Trautman
Director: DanceLessonDVDs.com
Manufacturer: Xpress Innovations (xidance.com)
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West Coast Swing Starter Pack (3-DVD Set - Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Intermediate 1) (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)

Two-Step Starter Pack (3-DVD Set - Beginner 1, Beginner 2, and Intermediate 1) (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)

SalsaCrazy Presents: Learn to Salsa Dance, Beginners 3 Pack: The Complete Beginners Salsa Dancing Guide

Couples Ultimate Dance Sampler (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)

Slow Dance for All Occasions (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)

Product Features:

* Street Release Date: November 15, 2006

* Professional and easy to follow for beginners

* 3-DVD Set includes over 4hrs of top-ranked Instruction

* One-on-One Training with Proven Instructors

ASIN: B000L2BTTI

Product Description

The Swing Dancing Starter Pack is for any beginner dancer who is looking for a firm foundation in Swing Dance fundamentals as well as several cool and completely leadable combinations to keep your feet tapping to the music. Order today to take the dance floor by storm! If you are looking to learn from a proven instructor with innovative techniques specifically for beginners, this is the right set for you. With 3-DVDs and over 4hrs of material, you will find this series to be extremely logical and easy to go through. Key features of this set include multiple camera angles, picture-in-picture formatting, extended practice time with music alongside the instructors, and reviews that help put everything together for you. If you are serious about wanting to learn Swing, this is the only investment you will need to make.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Series.......2007-04-13

I bought the first of these three DVD's(Beginner 1) and found that to be an excellent DVD. It taught me the basics of right turns, left turns, and other basic turns.
I then got the other two DVD's and found that I had a great foundation as regards to learning basic Swing Dancing. I found it best to see the DVD's several times and master one move before learning the next. I liked the explaination of both lead and follow basics. This way no one is left out.

Also, the sections are well outlined so that if you want to practice one or two specific turns, there is easy access to that particular turn.
This was a very wise investment for me.

In addition, from e-mails that I have gotten from them, they really care about their students.

Thanks again for an excellent series.

I'm a DANCING MACHINE!!!.......2007-01-11

When I first bought from Shawn's DVD collection, it was so I wouldn't look like a fool at events. This time, I chose the swing pack since I love swing music and its really peppy, upbeat style. When I got the package, I immediately got to dancing. By that evening, I had already learned multiple dance moves and some new dance sequenes to dance to the next time I was out with friends. I really enjoyed the DVDs and will likely buy more.

Swing Dance (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)

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Swing Dance
West Coast Swing for Dummies
Jane's review
great tape to learn the swing basics
Review for Shawn Trautman's Swing Dancing I DVD

Swing Dance (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Starring: Shawn Trautman; Joanna Trautman
Director: DanceLessonDVDs.com
Manufacturer: Xpress Innovations (xidance.com)
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ASIN: B000A3G01K
Release Date: 2006-11-15

Product Description

A Swing DVD by a long time dancer and instructor that will get you dancing in less than an hour! By introducing what beginners need to know about Lead and Follow dancing, in an order that makes sense, and at a pace set for everyone, this DVD will quickly prove its usefulness. Never danced before? No problem! This DVD is set for beginners as the instruction is clear, understandable, and completely attainable. Released in late 2005, this DVD was designed to get absolute beginners looking good and confident doing Swing in less than an hour. All moves are demonstrated, and then taught in a logical sequence with clear descriptions, and then broken down for both Leaders and Followers. In what will seem like just minutes, you'll be dancing the basics of Swing as well as some fun swing moves like the Kick-Steps and the Syncopated Swivels. Shawn Trautman has been a coach and mentor to numerous World Champions as well as countless social dancers since the early 1990s. Shawn welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size, or ability to his classes. His broad experience in both dance and Advanced Learning Techniques makes his methods of instruction innovative, easy, and fun. If you're ready to learn and have fun, Shawn Trautmans Learn To Dance Series is the way to go. Order Swing Dance today, and be ready to dance the next time you go out. Shawn Trautman has also just introduced a new 3-part series on Swing (Nov 2006) that includes more practice time, longer instruction, and easier views. The new DVDs are called Swing Dancing for Beginners Volume 1, Swing Dancing for Beginners Volume 2, and Swing Dancing for Intermediate Dancers.

Customer Reviews:

Swing Dance.......2007-01-31

This says it is especially for beginners. We are by no means beginners but we are sure glad that we got this one first. We have since bought the intermediate and are also pleased with it.

His instructions are unusually clear and will get one on the dance floor quickly.

West Coast Swing for Dummies.......2006-11-29

My husband and I took a dance class about 2 years ago in preparation for our wedding. We learned the basic steps but after our "first dance", we never used them again. After watching this DVD, we were ready to hit the dance floor once again. The step-by-step directions were easy to follow. The re-cap of what was taught in each section really helped us put it all together. We were all over our carpet - literally cutting a rug. :) The instructors really make it look easy so we found it easy to follow. The title should be West Coast Swing for Dummies. I can't wait to get another DVD to learn a new dance.

Jane's review.......2006-07-18

I have recently begun to swing dance and a friend of mine gave me her copy of Swing Dance Volume 1 from Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series. It really helped me understand the rock step and how the leader signals his partner to begin a turn or swing step. I like the way he goes over each particular move several times, it's not too fast. I hope a Swing Dance Volume 2 will be available with more advanced steps.

great tape to learn the swing basics.......2006-03-29

My husband and I have not been dancing much lately and this is just what we need to refresh our moves and give us some confidence.

Review for Shawn Trautman's Swing Dancing I DVD.......2006-01-03

I found Shawn Trautman's Swing Dancing I DVD to be exceedingly helpful. I am not a natural dancer (I have the proverbial "two left feet"), but I found his instruction to be clear and easy to follow. The whole thing made sense after I saw it. I would highly recommend it for beginners. And I understand that he is making additional DVDs for more advanced swing dancers. I plan to buy them when they come out.

Average customer rating:

Anyone Can Dance Single Time Swing (Jitterbug)

Manufacturer: Dance Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Anyone Can Dance East Coast Swing (Triple Time)

ASIN: B000AA3K2A

Product Description

The New & Improved Anyone Can Dance is the ultimate set of DVDs for people just learning how to dance. Donald and Kasia break down each step clearly and concisely to get you moving fast. By the end of the each DVD you will be up and out of your chair and onto the dance floor! Become more confident dancing to fast tempos that lend themselves to single-time, often called "Jitterbug." Beginning Level Introduction, 1) Basic, 2) Throwout, 3) Underarm Turns, 4) Alternating Underarm Turns, Demonstration of Steps 1 4: Intermediate Level - 1) Side Pass, 2) Cuddle, 3) Hand Change, 4) Tuck-In Spin, Demonstration of Steps 14: 5) Sweetheart with Double Face Loop Ending, 6) Lindy Rock, 7) Lindy Whip, 8) Shoulder Check, Demonstration of Steps 5 8: 9) Toe-Heel-Swivels, 10) Swivels, 11) Kick Steps, 12) Side by Side Swivels, Demonstration of Steps 9 12: Music: Dance Vision Fabuloso International Latin Item # CD211 Track 11 Mama Was a Jive Queen

Average customer rating:

Swing Time - Learn to Swing Dance

Manufacturer: Tapeworm Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00022OG9C
Release Date: 2004-04-16

Description

Fast-paced & Fun! Tap your feet, it's Swing Time! Learn this popular and exciting dance! Feel the beat, from Jitterbug to smooth style Lindy. Swing's great rhythmical variety will keep you Jumpin', Jivin' & Swingin' the night away!

In this easy-to-learn DVD, Professional Dance Instructors Ron & Bethana Rosario will teach you the skills necessary to become a good social dancer. By blending triple rhythm and kick-hop they will teach you fun, intricate combinations with rhythm changes & variations. Each step for the man & woman is presented in detail. Running Time: Approx. 1 hr 45 min.

In Part 1 (Beginner Swing) you will learn: The Basic - Single Step · Double Step · Triple Step · Kick-Hop · Tuck-In · Tuck-In with Pass & Hand Change · Swing Out

In Part 2 (Intermediate Swing) you will learn: Tuck-In with Double Turn · Swing Out to a Break · Whip Behind the Back · Chicken Walk · Cuddle to Jig Walks · The Swim · The Charleston

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Precision Trading Techniques: Strategies for Combining Price, Volume, Time, and Velocity with David S. Nassar

Manufacturer: Marketplace
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

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Guerrilla Trading Tactics with Oliver Velez [DVD]

The Short-Term Trading Course with David Nassar including Fibonacci Sequences

Getting Started in Currency Trading: Winning in Todays Hottest Marketplace (Getting Started In.....)

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Product Features:

You will Discover These Important Concepts:

*How to apply the principles of "Foundational Analysis" objectively

*How to key in on price/volume relationships

*How to use relative strength of price as a measure of elasticity - and many more advanced technical techniques, explained in "put-to-work" simplicity

*How the "4 Foundations" can be used with one another to improve trading outcomes - over and over again

ASIN: B000F6T6HW

Product Description

Discover a concept so powerful and reliable, it will provide precision to your trading techniques. Join David S. Nassar as he takes you beyond the basic chart patterns, and illustrates the power of Foundational Analysis. This insightful new workshop gives you the tools to master the methods needed to spot trends and seize opportunities - all in easy-to-follow detail! Go beyond the basic chart patterns technical traders use to precisely time entry and exit moves. Discover the power of "Foundational Analysis" with trading coach and author, David S. Nassar. His four-step approach takes you past price-oriented technical analysis - and introduces a new way to look at the dynamics of price movement by collectively analyzing the "Four Foundations." This concept is so powerful, and so reliable; David frequently demonstrates it live in front of audiences - trading his very OWN account with it. Now, Nassar's new video workshop outlines his "Foundational" approach to the markets in easy-to-follow detail. He takes the 4 key elements driving market movement - price, time, volume and velocity - and lays out a program showing why each is important and why, when combined together, they provide powerful signals that allow you to time your market moves with increased precision. There is a structure and a form to trading patterns, Nassar contends, and this new presentation helps you master the methods needed to spot the trends and seize the opportunities. Even the most skilled technical traders will find a refreshing new twist to their use of indicators and market signals, by incorporating the methods David does when he put his own money on the line, trade after winning trade.

Anyone Can Dance East Coast Swing (Triple Time)

Average customer rating:

Anyone Can Dance East Coast Swing (Triple Time)

Manufacturer: Dance Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

ASIN: B000AA4PV0

Product Description

DVD:

DVD

DVD