The Performance Dictionary: A Powerhouse of Terminology for Dancers and the Entertainment Industry

What an amazing tool for educators and students alike! You no longer need to search various books to gain insight and terminology necessary for the performance artist because now it is all in ONE resource, The Performance Dictionary! Gina Sawyer has brought together a wonderfully diverse group of guest writers who are highly recognized professionals and leaders still actively engaged in their respective fields, meaning that the information provided is up to date and proven essential in the current educational and professional industry of performance.

BODY MECHANICS • SKELETAL & MUSCULAR SYSTEM • BALLET • POM, CHEER & DRILL • LEAPS, JUMPS & TURNS • STUNTS & TRICKS • DANCE/DRILL TEAM • THE HIGH KICK • ACTING • THE STAGE THE PLAY & PLAYWRITING • MUSIC & SOUND • COSTUMING • MAKEUP • LIGHTING • SCENERY & PROPS

Over 1,200 definitions along with quotes from experts in the performance industry ...

Pom, Cheer and Drill: "Good alignment is the positioning of various parts of the body in relation to a central axis, each part of the movement will then work efficiently and the whole structure will function in harmony." — Susan Angell, Director of the Southwest Texas Strutters and Owner of Show Makers of America

Acting for Theater: "Let’s face it, to be in the spotlight is something that is wanted in this business. If someone can dance as well as act, then that’s double spotlight time, and all the better." — Craig Lowry, professional dancer for cruise ships, industrials, commercials, and theater

Music: "Think of your performance as a film. Music is used to enhance the moment. Watch a scary movie with the sound off and there's no reason to cover your eyes. A romantic moment has no appeal to the heart. Music allows you to become involved emotionally within a piece." --Cass Moore, Musician for Granbury Live and Owner of Cass Music Productions

GUEST WRITERS
Chris Bay-Andersen: Professional Lighting Designer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex for over twenty years

Susan Angell: Director of the Southwest Texas State University Strutters, Owner of Showmakers Performance Camps

Mitch Carr: Radio Personality for KLUV and Director for Shakespeare works on the secondStage

Nike Carter: Lifetime Honorary Member of Dance/Drill Team Directors of America

Michelle Davis: Owner of The Costume Closet

Dee Ann Driver: Former professional ballerina for the Harkness Ballet and Dallas Ballet

Chuck Faucette: Strength trainer for Southern Methodist University

Ruth Flynn: Director of the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles and Choreographer for Dancin'USA

Michelle Hames: Dancer, choreographer, and dance/drill team director

Craig Lowry: Dancer and actor for theater, film, and cruise ships

Donatelle Mascari: Professional makeup artist and consultant, The Makeup MavenTM

Cass Moore: Musician for Granbury Live and owner of Cass Music Productions

Nikki DeShea Smith: Owner of DeShea Designs, creative lighting for entertainment and architectural applications

Jan Spann: Director of musical theater and drama shows

Justin Stanley: Screenplay writer with film credits at Universal Pictures, HBO and Miramax/Dimension

Nikki Thompson Caulder: Owner of Top Hat Dance Studio, Oklahoma City, Choreographer for award-winning dance teams

Amanda Wages: Former president of Dance/Drill Team Directors of America, head instructor for HTE Spirit Group