Rating: 
Summary: Extraordinarily Comprehensive ¿ A Swing Resource for Life
Review: I've been reading and more importantly using Mr. Allen's book for two months. I have been dancing Swing (not Lindy) for about a year now and can sincerely say that I only wished that this very valuable Swing dance-learning vehicle were available at that early point in my Swing experience. Imitating others and learning from group classes seemed to have produce many distortions in my, "monkey see monkey do," mentality as an approach to this dance and its various rhythms. It almost as if my eyes were lying to me about the application of the most basic movements as I attempted to do what I felt was correct. The various sections on Swing technique in the book have helped me immensely to refocus and prioritize what I thought was actually happening out there on the dance floor. The six pages devoted to just the "Swing Rock," or as some of my teachers have called it the, "Back Rock," are worth the price of the book alone. The way he breaks it down has caused a considerable improvement in my dancing in the way that no ten or twenty dollars worth of lessons that I have taken has! What I have learned to do with, "Quickstart to Swing," is compare any of the similar steps or moves to what I presently know and simply tune them up. All of my partners have noticed the improvement and now I am able to learn any of the other steps in the book or at classes with ease! Needless to say, I've become a happy Swinger having moved out of the doldrums of frustration. I must admit that I was disturbed to read another reviewer slamming Jeff Allen's book for not including the basics in Lindy Hop. I really wonder if they read in the book's introduction that he states and I quote, "The reader of Quickstart to Swing will develop good potential for growth into the more advanced or difficult forms of Swing dancing. These forms are as follows: The Lindy Hop (regarded as the original and most difficult form of Swing that has retained its unique characteristics since the 1930's).........." Or, in the description of the book's contents above! In California, my neck of the woods, most of the good Lindy Hop teachers require that their students be well versed in the East Coast Swing (one of the 4 rhythms in this book) before they even attempt the Lindy. Perhaps this reviewer would have had an easier time and would have continued dancing if they had not tried something too hard and actually used a more building block approach. Once again get this book and use it a little at a time and you'll soon find out have valuable it is. I'd give it TEN stars if I could!
Rating: 
Summary: Despite atrocious writing, some useful insights
Review: I've read hundreds of nonfiction books and by far Allen's book is the most poorly written one I've ever seen. Every sentence is awkward. Almost every sentence includes a logical mistake if the words are taken literally. Every other sentence contains a blatant error of grammar, syntax or word choice. Is English his first language? The poor writing ruins two-thirds of the utility of the book--because you just can't make out what he's saying. Nevertheless, Allen clearly understands Swing and the one-third of the book that you can make out is chock full of helpful hints.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!! I Found A Wealth of Knowledge
Review: It's unbelievable I have learned more about Swing dancing, and partner dancing in general than any six teachers I've studied with! I don't know why that is but I don't really care. Believe me I WILL be suggesting Allen's "Quickstart to Swing" to each of them. The material in the book is everything you wanted to know about dancing but didn't know how to ask! I've read where some people have had trouble with this book - perhaps that's because their introduction to dancing was step orientated rather than body, balance, timing, rhythm, etc. One of the keenest insights found in this book that I learned is when you put your feet down on the floor your body STOPS by contrast it is how you take your feet OFF the floor that permits movement. From that premise, it was easy to understand that for a dancer the most important foot is the supporting foot or the place that you exit from. Because of that revelation, I was able to create ten times more body rhythm giving me a great natural and fluid look. And because of that understanding, this book is very easy to understand. I hope this helps some of you NOT to be swayed by negative reviews. Many single pages in this book more than repay the reader if dancing is their desire! It's really a phenomenal reference book that you'll use over and over again. You'll find yourself, as I did, comparing what you've learned or heard about dancing to the contents of this book. And you know what? The more you understand the more you'll grow to love it. I partner better in all my dances including the Latin ones. I hope Allen's next book has Salsa in it.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!! I Found A Wealth of Knowledge
Review: It's unbelievable I have learned more about Swing dancing, and partner dancing in general than any six teachers I've studied with! I don't know why that is but I don't really care. Believe me I WILL be suggesting Allen's "Quickstart to Swing" to each of them. The material in the book is everything you wanted to know about dancing but didn't know how to ask! I've read where some people have had trouble with this book - perhaps that's because their introduction to dancing was step orientated rather than body, balance, timing, rhythm, etc. One of the keenest insights found in this book that I learned is when you put your feet down on the floor your body STOPS by contrast it is how you take your feet OFF the floor that permits movement. From that premise, it was easy to understand that for a dancer the most important foot is the supporting foot or the place that you exit from. Because of that revelation, I was able to create ten times more body rhythm giving me a great natural and fluid look. And because of that understanding, this book is very easy to understand. I hope this helps some of you NOT to be swayed by negative reviews. Many single pages in this book more than repay the reader if dancing is their desire! It's really a phenomenal reference book that you'll use over and over again. You'll find yourself, as I did, comparing what you've learned or heard about dancing to the contents of this book. And you know what? The more you understand the more you'll grow to love it. I partner better in all my dances including the Latin ones. I hope Allen's next book has Salsa in it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: Jeff Allen's "Quickstart to Swing" has been a great help to our learning to dance. For the first time, dance instruction includes posture, weight changes, and the subtleties of dancing as half of a couple. He has clearly defined all the terms used and continues to build effectively on the concepts presented. While not a book to read casually, it is a fabulous piece of technical writing which is clear and consistent throughout.
Thank you!
Cindy Bapties and George Beshers
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: Jeff Allen's "Quickstart to Swing" has been a great help to our learning to dance. For the first time, dance instruction includes posture, weight changes, and the subtleties of dancing as half of a couple. He has clearly defined all the terms used and continues to build effectively on the concepts presented. While not a book to read casually, it is a fabulous piece of technical writing which is clear and consistent throughout.
Thank you!
Cindy Bapties and George Beshers
Rating:
Summary: Allen¿s Quickstart Books Have Gotten Us Hooked on Dance
Review: Last August we posted a review of our wonderful experience with Mr. Allen's first book: Quickstart to Social Dancing (please check it out) after using it very successfully for our Wedding dance. Now we're hooked on Swing. Shortly after our big day we began reading his "Quickstart to Swing," which follows nicely the Swing dance section of his "Social Dancing" book, only in much more depth! The good news we have joined an advanced Swing dance class in our area saving lots of money on the first three levels offered. Without insulting our teacher we have to say that Allen's book provides insights and techniques that our classes simply don't, and those right from the beginning experience. The book is truly a wealth of Swing dance information, instruction, and technique that has more than something for everyone. Enjoy it and savor it over a long period of time just as we have - as we get better so does this book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Let me preface my remarks by first stating that Quickstart To Swing is an excellent 'how to' book on Swing Dancing. In fact, it is required reading and serves as a reference book in three Dance Studios and two College Dance Programs that I have knowledge of personally. Quickstart To Swing is an instructional dance book. Dancing is a physical skill and, as a result, requires one to make 'physical commands' to illicit physical actions. The author clearly states that this book is written in a conversational tone AND that the instructions contained within are based upon the 'Unit Method' which is described in detail. All of this appears to have been lost upon the Previous Reviewer. Was the Author contacted with any questions regarding the book? That offer of assistance is clearly stated. This book is the only instructional dance text I have found that is written in gender non-specific terms, using only "leader" and "follower" as opposed to "man" and "lady" - a giant leap into the 21st Century! (How archaic for someone to assume that all "leaders" are male and all "followers" are female!) I am certain, after having attempted a similar writing effort, that strict grammatical structure suffers somewhat - however this is an instructional book and should be read as such. Evidently the Previous Reviewer has never participated in an activity requiring physical instructions. My advice to the Previous Reviewer - do not subscribe to or purchase a copy of any sport magazines - i.e. Golf Digest, etc., that contain instructional articles written by professional or any other instructional texts - i.e. How to Build a Birdhouse, Cooking Made Easy, etc. - because you will surely need more aspirin'. Care should be exercised before making veiled accusations on a public forum regarding authors' relationships with any reviewer. The review statements in Quickstart To Swing were made by some of the top Professionals in the Dance Industry and I am certain neither they nor any reviewer on this forum appreciate speculation and suggestion of collusion. A note to the Previous Reviewer - before posting any review criticizing grammatical anything - please be sure to 'spell check'! If you need assistance please write: DanceAddict5678@aol.com - I will attempt to give you instructions.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Gift
Review: My wife and I have had the most enjoyment and satisfaction utilizing this book and watching our dance improve tremendously. I initially purchased this for us to use in conjuction with our private and group lessons. It has been an irreplaceable tool. We found this book an ideal resource covering the choreography in a logical progressive fashion and is indexed to allow quick access before and after each lesson. We were actually more impressed with the whealth of information offered on topics concerning technique of the rock step, leg movement, and partnering skills. Such information applied to our dancing has transformed our swing and improved our dancing in general. I feel as if it has answered many of my questions concerning our dancing. Working through the lessons has ironed out wrinkles in my leading, technique and footwork. I would recommend it to any level dancer.
Rating:
Summary: I Read and Continue to Learn
Review: Owning this book since 2000 when it first came out has indeed been a rewarding experience, it's like having a terrific teacher at your side whenever you have a question. The best way to use this book is to tackle it a piece at a time, one or two figures, working out the choreography and following the details for the lead or follow with your partner as described on each step. Then begin the detailed work of how elements of rotation, the rock step, key moments of emphasis, etc. is described in the technique section of the book. The book has an absolutely fabulous index making topical exploration and cross referencing very easy. I noticed that few of the reviewers do not mention (personally I do not believe that many of the "so-called," reviewers at this page actually read or spent time with this book) the 4 rhythms that are covered in the book giving the dancer tremendous versatility while dancing Swing to many different rhythms or just adding variety to the figures themselves. Another exciting aspect of this book is that you are able to contact and discuss dancing with the author. I emailed a congratulatory message to him for writing this book along with a couple of questions and they were answered. Now that's valued added!
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