Mark Knowles – författare

Tracing the development of tap dancing from ancient India to the Broadway stage in 1903, when the word "Tap" was first used in publicity to describe this new American style of dance, this text separates the cultural, societal and historical events that influenced the development of Tap dancing.Section One covers primary influences such as Irish step dancing, English clog dancing and African dancing. Section Two covers theatrical influences (early theatrical developments, "Daddy" Rice, the Virginia Minstrels) and Section Three covers various other influences (Native American, German and Shaker). Also included are accounts of the people present at tap's inception and how various styles of dance were mixed to create a new art form.

Popular social dances can reveal a lot about the lifestyle, culture, and social class of the people who perform them. The kicks, turns, twists, and other subtle nuances of each dance reflect and represent particular periods of a culture's history while they also profoundly influence that culture's fashion, music, and use of leisure time. This book investigates the historical development and importance of several popular dance crazes from the 19th and early 20th centuries, evaluating in particular how their very existence as 'taboo' cultural fads led to initial outrage while ultimately providing a catalyst for lasting social reform. The book opens with a brief overview of anti-dance sentiment from around the fourth century to the present day. It then focuses on couple dances of the 19th and early 20th centuries, revealing how these social dances in particular acted as an expression of this tumultuous period in history while revealing the shifting social attitudes of the day. The waltz, perhaps the most beloved and most maligned social dance to come out of this period, evoked indignant reaction from religious leaders and other self-appointed arbiters of social morality who sermonized against the corrupting influence of social dancing on decency and health. In addition to examining the impact of the waltz craze on fashion, music, leisure, and social reform, the text describes the violent opposition to the dance and the proliferation of both anti-dance and courtesy literature during the height of the waltz's popularity. It then explores these same issues as they relate to other dance crazes of the early 1900s, including the Charleston, the Tango, and Ragtime dances such as the Turkey Trot, Grizzly Bear, and Bunny Hug.

The language of tap dancing is as rich and varied as that of any art, and different choreographers, teachers and performers often use totally different terms for exactly the same step. The various names of all steps and clear descriptions of them are collected for the first time in this reference work. The emphasis is on all variations of a name, from universally recognized terms to simple "pet" names that individual performers and choreographers have created, with extensive cross-references provided. Each of the steps is fully described, with appropriate counts, explanations and history. Many antique and unusual steps such as the Patting Juba, the Quack and the Swanee Shuffle are included.Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Choreographer Alex Romero created Jailhouse Rock, the iconic Elvis Presley production number, but never received screen credit for his contribution. This book tells his story. The son of a Mexican general, Romero escaped the Mexican Revolution, joined his family's vaudeville dance act and became a dancer in Hollywood. Part of Jack Cole's exclusive Columbia dance troupe, he was eventually hired as a staff assistant at MGM, where he worked on Take Me Out to the Ballgame, American in Paris, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and On the Town, among many others.When Romero transitioned into full-time choreography, he created the dances for numerous films, including Love Me or Leave Me, I'll Cry Tomorrow, tom thumb, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and three additional movies for Elvis.Known for his inventive style and creative use of props, Romero was instrumental in bringing rock and roll to the screen. This biography includes first-person accounts of his collaborations with Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and others.

You''ve read the myth of the Golden Fleece. Now find out how it really was for Jason and the Argonauts in this gripping reimagining of the famous Ancient Greek tale, and first book in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series. Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Neil Gaiman and Natalie Haynes.He has come to take what is yours... Iolkos, Greece, 1230 BC. King Pelias has grown paranoid, tormented by his murderous past and a prophecy of the man who will one day destroy him.When a stranger arrives to compete in the Games of Poseidon, Pelias is horrified, for this young man should never have grown to manhood. He is Jason, Pelias'' nephew, who survived his uncle''s assassins as a child. Now Jason wants his revenge – and the kingdom.But Pelias is cunning as well as powerful. He gives Jason an impossible challenge: to claim the throne, he must first steal the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis.Jason assembles a band of Greece''s finest warriors. They are the Argonauts, named for their trusty ship. But even with these mighty allies, Jason will have to overcome the brutal challenges hurled his way. His mission and many lives depend on his wits – and his sword.PRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES''A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth'' Daisy Dunn''Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world'' Adam Lofthouse''What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story'' Sam Taw''Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant'' Dr Paul Millett''[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable'' Boarding Schools'' Association

You've read the myth of the Golden Fleece. Now find out how it really was for Jason and the Argonauts in this gripping reimagining of the famous Ancient Greek tale, and first book in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series. Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Neil Gaiman and Natalie Haynes.He has come to take what is yours...Iolkos, Greece, 1230 BC. King Pelias has grown paranoid, tormented by his murderous past and a prophecy of the man who will one day destroy him.When a stranger arrives to compete in the Games of Poseidon, Pelias is horrified, for this young man should never have grown to manhood. He is Jason, Pelias' nephew, who survived his uncle's assassins as a child. Now Jason wants his revenge – and the kingdom.But Pelias is cunning as well as powerful. He gives Jason an impossible challenge: to claim the throne, he must first steal the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis.Jason assembles a band of Greece's finest warriors. They are the Argonauts, named for their trusty ship. But even with these mighty allies, Jason will have to overcome the brutal challenges hurled his way. His mission and many lives depend on his wits – and his sword.PRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth' Daisy Dunn'Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world' Adam Lofthouse'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant' Dr Paul Millett'[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable' Boarding Schools' Association

You''ve read the myths, now discover what really happened! In this powerful historical adventure set in Ancient Greece, the Argonauts take on mighty Troy, witness the strange skills of Circe, and encounter the unfortunate Sirens. Jason is the second novel in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Madeline Miller.They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive? Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his scheming uncle, King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle''s throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home.But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem.Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers.Yet Jason''s perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home...''A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason''s oar. Knowles''s storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric'' Daisy Dunn, editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review, and author of Of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece & RomePRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES''Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world'' Adam Lofthouse''What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story'' Sam Taw''Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant'' Dr Paul Millett''[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable'' Boarding Schools'' Association

You've read the myths, now discover what really happened! In this powerful historical adventure set in Ancient Greece, the Argonauts take on mighty Troy, witness the strange skills of Circe, and encounter the unfortunate Sirens. Jason is the second novel in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Madeline Miller.They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive?Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his scheming uncle, King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home.But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem.Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers.Yet Jason's perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home...'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason's oar. Knowles's storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric' Daisy Dunn, editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review, and author of Of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece & RomePRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES'Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world' Adam Lofthouse'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant' Dr Paul Millett'[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable' Boarding Schools' Association

The exciting new historical novel in Mark Knowles'' Blades of Bronze series. You''ve read the myths of Ancient Greece... now see how life really was in the Age of Heroes.Decades after the fabled voyage of Argo, the last remaining Argonauts are scattered to the corners of the Greek world, old men living on past glories.The great victory at Troy is naught but a memory. The Age of Heroes is dead. The Sea People are coming.With the enemy inearly at the gates. Only one young man can rise up, channel the spirit of the Argonauts, and inspire and renew the heroism of old: Xandros, callow grandson of the great Jason. His mission is a desperate one, and it may yet be too late. Will the old world crumble and burn, or will a new hero rise to victory?Reviews for the Blades of Bronze series:''A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth. Knowles''s storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. Wonderfully atmospheric.'' Daisy Dunn''What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story.'' Sam Taw''A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue.'' Adam Lofthouse

The exciting new historical novel in Mark Knowles' Blades of Bronze series. You've read the myths of Ancient Greece... now see how life really was in the Age of Heroes.Decades after the fabled voyage of Argo, the last remaining Argonauts are scattered to the corners of the Greek world, old men living on past glories.The great victory at Troy is naught but a memory. The Age of Heroes is dead. The Sea People are coming.With the enemy inearly at the gates. Only one young man can rise up, channel the spirit of the Argonauts, and inspire and renew the heroism of old: Xandros, callow grandson of the great Jason. His mission is a desperate one, and it may yet be too late. Will the old world crumble and burn, or will a new hero rise to victory?Reviews for the Blades of Bronze series:'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth. Knowles’s storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. Wonderfully atmospheric.’ Daisy Dunn'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story.' Sam Taw'A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue.' Adam Lofthouse