Dancing Home

In this timely tale of immigration, two cousins learn the importance of family and friendship. A year of discoveries culminates in a performance full of surprises, as two girls find their own way to belong. Mexico may be her parents’ home, but it’s certainly not Margie’s. She has finally convinced the other kids at school she is one-hundred percent American—just like them. But when her Mexican cousin Lupe visits, the image she’s created for herself crumbles. Things aren’t easy for Lupe, either. Mexico hadn’t felt like home since her father went North to find work. Lupe’s hope of seeing him in the United States comforts her some, but learning a new language in a new school is tough. Lupe, as much as Margie, is in need of a friend. Little by little, the girls’ individual steps find the rhythm of one shared dance, and they learn what “home” really means. In the tradition of My Name is Maria Isabel—and simultaneously published in English and in Spanish—Alma Flor Ada and her son Gabriel M. Zubizarreta offer an honest story of family, friendship, and the classic immigrant experience: becoming part of something new, while straying true to who you are.

‘When he was in gaol, he’d begun to prepare himself for the fight of his life, a showdown with the policeman, McWilliams ... he’d face life with death, and see who blinked first.’ Blackie and Rips are fresh out of prison when they set off on a road trip back to Wiradjuri country with their mate Carlos. Blackie is out for revenge against the cop who put him in prison on false grounds. He is also craving to reconnect with his grandmother’s country. Driven by his hunger for drugs and payback, Blackie reaches dark places of both mystery and beauty as he searches for peace. He is willing to pay for that peace with his own life. Part road-movie, part ‘Koori-noir’, Dancing Home announces an original and darkly funny new voice.

Serena, the central figure in these linked stories and a born New Yorker, is outrageous, stubborn, mystical and deeply engaged with love of all kinds: emotional, physical, intellectual, and with intimacy that extends into the wider realms beyond the visible world. The stories begin with her birth and follow her life and the lives of her friends and lovers. We meet Ingrid, artist and wild woman; Rose, sensible and intelligent, with a dry wit; Leo, architect and musician, a compassionate, soulful and endearing man and many others, whose origins and connected lives reveal the paradoxes, struggles, bliss and complexities of love. The stories embrace the sensual world and the capacity to hold it with an open heart. They explore the grace of loving in a variety of ways. As Dancing Home unfolds, Serena's intuition leads her to an enhanced relationship with a larger reality and the challenges of integrating that world with ordinary life. Ultimately, this puzzle of who the characters are and the nature of their intertwined lives plays itself out and comes to a fluid conclusion. Dancing Home is a love affair with New York and to the affairs of love.

Sara, the cautious, quietly observant twin, narrates this reminiscence of sisters whose dreams were intermittently encouraged or dashed by their ambitious, stout-hearted Norwegian-American mother and their alternatively abusive and loving Danish-American father, who felt enslaved by his land and cattle. The twins' emotionally fragile older sister, mischevious younger brother, and sturdy baby sister each found ways to cope. This is a personal portrayal of parents, siblings, family and neighbours who painted the rural landscape in sombre tones of duty and self-sacrifice, yet touched it with hope and grace.

Enter the intoxicating world of performing in community with a step-by-step guide that combines practical exercises and improvisational forms. Proven methods reach out to classes, children in after-school programs, youth at risk and culturally and socio-economically diverse groups in any setting. Create collaborative choreography based on participants' stories, histories, and the unique issues of their community. Provide enriching opportunities to give to others, to share their talents and to be seen and heard in artistic collaboration .

“Lively and enlightening.”—Sarah L. Kaufman, Washington Post “[A] zippy guide to better health.”—Publisher’s Weekly STARRED Review Discover why humans were designed for dancing—and learn how to boogie for better health—with two neuroscientists as your guide. Dancing is one of the best things we can do for our health. In this groundbreaking and fun-to-read book, two neuroscientists (who are also competitive dancers) draw on their cutting-edge research to reveal why humans are hardwired for dance show how to achieve optimal health through dancing Taking readers on an in-depth exploration of movement and music, from early humans up until today, the authors show the proven benefits of dance for our heart, lungs, bones, nervous system, and brain. Readers will come away with a wide range of dances to try and a scientific understanding of how dance benefits almost every aspect of our lives. Dance prevents and manages illness and pain: such as Diabetes, arthritis, back pain, and Parkinson’s. Dance can be as effective as high intensity interval training: but without the strain on your joints and heart. Dance boosts immunity and lowers stress: it also helps reduce inflammation. Dance positively impacts the microbiome: and aids in digestion, weight loss, and digestive issues such as IBS. Dance bolsters the mind-body connection: helping us get in tune with our bodies for better overall health. We’re lucky that one of the best things we can do for our health is also one of the most fun. And the best part: dance is something anyone can do. Old or young, injured or experiencing chronic pain, dance is for everyone, everywhere. So, let’s dance! Types of dance featured in the book: Partner dance (salsa, swing dancing, waltz) Ballet Hip hop Modern Jazz Line dancing Tap dancing And more!

Boehme, a single mother who has faced life's toughest obstacles, relates how her 19-year-old autistic son, Max, unraveled the thinking of those who tried to teach him and help him--a lesson that the seemingly weak people can be more powerful than the strong. (Practical Life)

Thomas loves to tell stories. Big stories. Stories about how skilled he is on the land. But when one of his friends grows tired of his tall tales, Thomas has to prove how skilled he really is. Taking the challenge to spend a night alone in the forest, Thomas heads into the wilderness. The trees, who have heard his stories, watch him tear off their bark and litter as he goes. And so, while Thomas sleeps, they dance a dance that will leave Thomas with a very different kind of story to tell--if he can find his way home... In this book, Masiana Kelly draws on the beauty of the Northwest Territories and the wisdom of Elders to illustrate the importance of treating the land around us with respect.