BOOKS
Learn through Our Dance and Music Books in North America
Discover the transformative power of folk dance and music through our extensive collection of educational resources at Greathouse of Music. Our range of meticulously crafted dance and music books in North America aims to inspire and cultivate a deep understanding of these art forms. Whether you are an aspiring performer, an enthusiastic learner, or an educator looking to enhance your curriculum, our books offer a wealth of knowledge.
A Deep Dive into Our Books
- Using our Dancing For Fun books to learn more about folk music offers many benefits, including:
- Providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance of different folk genres, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for this rich musical tradition
- Giving insights into folk music’s unique themes, instruments, and techniques, allowing learners to develop a more authentic and nuanced performance style
- Serving as a valuable resource to acquire new repertoire, expand technical skills, and explore different folk-dance styles, ultimately enriching one’s overall musical knowledge and cultural understanding
Dancing For Fun, Book 1
Article: "New Book' Dancing for Fun' can Improve Quality of Life"
PORTLAND, Ore. – According to Everyday Health, the benefits of dancing extend beyond overall fitness and include a memory boost, stress reduction, and improved flexibility.
To make these health benefits accessible for people of all ages, husband and wife author duo Mark and Helena Greathouse have created "Dancing for Fun: Group Dancing for All Ages" (published by iUniverse), a collection of folk-inspired, contemporary group dances accompanied by originally composed music. This is the first book in the Greathouses' Dancing for Fun series. The second book, "Dancing for Fun: Group Dancing for All Ages Book Two," is also available.
To make these health benefits accessible for people of all ages, husband and wife author duo Mark and Helena Greathouse have created "Dancing for Fun: Group Dancing for All Ages" (published by iUniverse), a collection of folk-inspired, contemporary group dances accompanied by originally composed music. This is the first book in the Greathouses' Dancing for Fun series. The second book, "Dancing for Fun: Group Dancing for All Ages Book Two," is also available.
This beginner-level book contains music and choreography with detailed directions and links to YouTube videos displaying the dances, demonstrated by one member of the group, so that individuals of any age and ability can take part in the fun while achieving an active lifestyle. The inspiration for "Dancing for Fun" came as no surprise to the authors. When professional musician and composer Mark Greathouse needed to put his music to dance, he looked no further than his accomplished wife to transcribe the choreography. With her many years of experience as a rhythmic gymnastics advanced level competitor, professional coach, and international judge, Helena Greathouse was the perfect choice to compliment Mark Greathouse's music.
By taking part in these dances, individuals will not only learn a new skill, but they will also be exposed to the social and health benefits associated with group dance. The duo's combined experience has led to an imaginative compilation of music and dances appropriate for individuals of all ages and ability.
About the Book
Dancing for FunBy Mark L. & Helena GreathouseAudio Book | ISBN 9781491766873Softcover | 8.25 x 11 in | 96 Pages | ISBN 9781491747506E-Book | 96 Pages | ISBN 9781491747513Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and iUniverse.Example Dance Video
About the Authors:
Professional musician and composer Mark Greathouse and his wife Helena Greathouse, a rhythmic gymnast, coach, and judge, perform together throughout the world. Besides the United States, the duo also performs in Germany and in Helena Greathouse's home country, the Czech Republic.
Dancing for Fun, Book 2
Article: Husband-wife Duo Craft New Book of Choreographed Dance
Original, Contemporary Folk Dances Featured in Second Installment of Dancing for Fun SeriesTIGARD, Ore. – Author Mark L. Greathouse and his wife, Helena Greathouse, recently published their second book celebrating the power of dance. "Dancing for Fun: Group Dancing for All Ages Book Two" (published by iUniverse) is a new collection of choreography that readers can learn and perform to music either alone or as part of a group.
This second volume in the Dancing for Fun series is an introduction to folk-inspired, contemporary dances created for groups of any size and age, the Greathouse's say. It encourages readers to engage in movement set to music and improve upon fitness while having fun and interacting with others.
"We all hear that people are overweight and not exercising enough," the authors say. "These dances bring people together in a group in which each member must interact with the other dancers. These dances can be seen on YouTube, demonstrated by one member of the group."The dance pieces within "Dancing for Fun" were transcribed by Helena Greathouse in a contemporary folk style that does not allow for improvisation and encourages partnering and patterned steps."We all know that movement is important for our overall health," the authors say, "and adding music to movement makes the activity more enjoyable. Music with movement is dance, and dancing with others in a group can be fun."
"We all hear that people are overweight and not exercising enough," the authors say. "These dances bring people together in a group in which each member must interact with the other dancers. These dances can be seen on YouTube, demonstrated by one member of the group."The dance pieces within "Dancing for Fun" were transcribed by Helena Greathouse in a contemporary folk style that does not allow for improvisation and encourages partnering and patterned steps."We all know that movement is important for our overall health," the authors say, "and adding music to movement makes the activity more enjoyable. Music with movement is dance, and dancing with others in a group can be fun."
About the Book
"Dancing for Fun, Book 2"By Mark L. and Helena Greathouse Softcover | 8.25 x 11 in | 176 Pages | ISBN 9781491756119E-Book | 176 Pages | ISBN 9781491756126Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and iUniverseExample Dance Video
About the Authors
Mark L. and Helena Greathouse are an international husband-and-wife musical duo. Each began performing their art at age 5 in their respective countries. Over the years, Mark progressed on the accordion and piano. Helena's advancement included rhythmic gymnastics, competing in Europe, and judging internationally for the United States. She judged at the Olympics, the Goodwill Games, and the Pan American Games. In recent years, Mark has composed many piano pieces, some of which were choreographed for the book series Dancing for Fun.
Begin a New Journey
Embark on a musical and artistic exploration journey with Greathouse of Music’s dance and music book collection. Ignite your passion, expand your knowledge of the folk music compositions that have been made, and discover the endless possibilities that await you in the enchanting realm of music. Get in touch with us to find out more.