Interview with James L Therrian, Author of "Dance of the Heart"

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Interview with James L. Terrian

author of Dance of the Heart

James Therrian (2007)

ISBN 9780615135007

Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to be joined by James Therrian, author of "Dance of the Heart."

James Therrian was born in Michigan and spent most of his early years in the rainy Northwest before following the sun to Maui, Santa Fe, New Mexico & California. An avid writer, James has attended workshops with Lew Hunter of the famed Screenwriting 434 class at UCLA. James currently lives and writes in San Diego and works with the University of California San Diego.

Tyler: Thank you, James, for joining me today. To begin, would you briefly tell us what your new novel, "Dance of the Heart" is about?

James: "Dance of the Heart" is a love story and a story about attractions. The main character Michael is a successful professional dancer who has a happy settled life, which suddenly changes after the death of his dance partner Margo. Her replacement Elizabeth is totally opposite from Margo, who was a nasty bitter woman. Michael is mesmerized by Elizabeth and falls head over heels for her the minute he lays eyes on her. The problem is that Michael is a gay man in a long-term relationship with his lover, David.

Tyler: James, are you a dancer yourself?

James: No I am not a dancer, but enjoy the ballet and performing arts.

Tyler: Where did you come up with the idea for "Dance of the Heart?"

James: It was an idea I came up with for a creative writing class I took years ago. I wanted to show that everyone is the same when it comes to the heart; no matter who we are or whom we love, we all have similar challenges and choices to make in life.

Tyler: Of course, the book is not just about dancing in its literal sense, but about love and how love can change. I am especially struck by the fact that the main character, Michael, is gay and has a lover, David, but then begins to fall in love with his female dance partner, Elizabeth. Do you think it is possible for a person to fall in love with people of both sexes?

James: Yes I do. Many of us have feelings for people who are inappropriate, be it the same sex, someone who is married, or someone we know the people in our lives would not accept, so usually we just keep our feelings hidden. In Michael's case, the question isn't whether he has feelings for Elizabeth, it is can he change who he is for love?

Tyler: In the novel, Michael doesn't just question whom he loves, but his own sexual identity and preference. Do you think Michael truly is gay or that a person's sexual preference can change over time?

James: For some people a sexual identity is a choice. For instance, some people live their entire lives not being who they are because they are afraid to declare themselves. Many live double lives, but that's an entirely different conversation. Michael is gay, but attractions can make us all question what we want at times.

Tyler: One of the characters, Michael's mother, Sally, states, "You can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose what you do with it." Would it be fair to say that is the theme of the book? Was the exploration of that statement why you wrote the book?

James: "Dance of the Heart" does explores the theme that sometimes love has surprises for us all. What we do with them is the choice we have to make. I also wanted to show that when it comes to affairs of the heart, we are all the same, no matter who we are or how we choose to define ourselves.

Tyler: How have readers so far responded to the novel and especially its themes of love and sexual identity?

James: I have had very positive feedback from the readers I have talked to. Michael is a gay man; however, "Dance of the Heart" is a story about love and attractions. One reader told me that she thought it would be a good book for her teenage daughter to read in school as a part of her diversity studies. I was pleased to hear this because I purposely wrote the story to appeal to all readers. It is a funny and wholesome story and has reminders for everyone about the lessons we have to learn in life.

"Dance of the Heart" twists a familiar genre with the fact that the main character is gay, but thinks he may be in love with a woman. I think many readers can relate to Michael's plight as we all do silly things when we fall in love.

Tyler: James, what can we expect next from your pen?

James: My next book, which I am currently working on, is an instructional book on how to self publish a book. I have also been working on a book about what Americans will need to do to thrive in the future as well as leave a livable planet for our children.

Tyler: More and more authors, myself included, are self-publishing these days, yet self-publishing still retains a certain stigma. How would you respond to the critics of self-publishing?

James: It's the familiar old boys club story in my opinion. There are thousands of stories out there that merit being published; however, getting a publisher to pick up your book can be challenging given the way traditional publishing works. It's not impossible to find a publisher; however, it can feel like the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack for most authors. After comparing how traditional publishing and self-publishing worked, I decided to self publish as it allowed more control of my work. Through my self-publishing journey, I actually took the time to learn the skills to do my own typesetting, layout and cover. My next book will be much easier to publish as I now have software, knowledge and skills to truly self publish. Essentially I have become a publisher in addition to an author.

There are definite advantages to being with a large publishing house as they have marketing departments, industry connections and contacts, but I believe that the industry is changing with self-publishing becoming more prevalent. It is similar to the old Hollywood studio system and the advent of independent filmmakers and the affects it has had on the movie business. Self-publishing is very similar to the independent film industry. There are many excellent self-published books out there and I think in the future many authors will choose to self-publish.

Tyler: Do you think self-publishing will continue to be the trend and ultimately be dominant in the market over the books of traditional publishing houses?

James: I am amazed with how many people have approached me telling me they have story they always wanted to publish. I encourage them to go for it as it can happen if they have the commitment to see it through. Personally it has been an extremely satisfying life accomplishment for me to publish "Dance of the Heart" and the fact that it is being well received is even more rewarding.

I do see self-publishing continuing to gain market share. The biggest challenge for self-published authors is of course promotion. This is the advantage of being with a traditional publishing house. They have the resources to get the word out. Most authors are simply writers and have no idea how to promote their book. I recommend finding a professional to help get the word out, because you could have the best story ever written, but if people don't know about it, they won't have the opportunity to read your work. This is a good investment, as not only could you sell some books, you may eventually find a traditional publisher who is interested in picking up your book.

Tyler: You also mentioned you are writing a non-fiction book about how Americans can thrive and yet leave behind a livable planet. Could you tell us a little bit about your past writing? Have you written both fiction and non-fiction, and what do you see as the special difficulties or advantages of writing each kind of prose?

James: I enjoy all kinds of writing and am not afraid to jump into a new genre. I have written both fiction and non-fiction pieces in addition to doing travel writing while in Hawaii. My first audience was a group of coworkers at a bank I worked for years ago. Everyday, I filled in for the receptionist while she went to lunch. During that hour, I wrote installments to a suspense thriller, set on the Oregon coast. I shared my story with the other assistants on the floor who eagerly awaited my new chapters. Years later, I moved to Hawaii and sent a series of stories of my adventures to my friends on the mainland, which I called "Memos from Maui." Living on Hawaii is kind of like living in a foreign country and I had fun sharing my observations of life on a tropical island. "Memos from Maui" was well received and I knew then that I was hooked; I had to do something with my writing. Both fiction and non-fiction have their own advantages and challenges, but non-fiction commentaries I find are easy to write. Fiction takes more thought and imagination, but where you go with it is totally up to you. Having said that, I think a good writer isn't afraid to take on a new challenge. I also write poetry which I have had published as well.

Recently I was involved in a playwriting workshop, which was a great learning experience. Part of the workshop involved writing a 10-minute play to be directed and acted by professionals on stage. I took three chapters from "Dance of the Heart" and was able to see a part of my story acted out on the stage. It was an insightful process and I grew as a writer from the experience.

Tyler: Thank you for joining me today, James. Before we go, can you tell our readers where they can find out more about "Dance of the Heart" and where they can purchase copies?

James: "Dance of the Heart" can be purchased on-line by visiting http://www.danceoftheheart.net. It can also be ordered through any bookstore from Borders to your local bookstore. Thank you, Tyler.

Ballroom Dancing - The International Standards

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Ballroom Dancing describes partner dances, performed socially or competitively, with prescribed specific movements. It evokes a sense of mystique and elegance if performed socially and of energy and passion when performed competitively.

The word "ball" in Ballroom Dancing comes from not the child's toy but from the Latin word "ballare" meaning to dance. It forms the bases for the words ballet (a dance,) ballerina (a dancer) and ballroom (a room for dancing). Ballroom Dancing was very popular among the English upper class during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, where it referred to almost any type of recreation dancing. By the early 20th century, as it caught the interest of the working class, the term become narrower in scope, with many of the dances dropping out of favour as being 'historical' or 'folk' dances.

By the early 1920's a number of dance societies in both England and America began to offer regulated competitive Ballroom Dancing. They promoted a number of standard dances, with some basic movements that dancers could confidently perform with any partner they might meet. The highly influential Imperial Society of Dance Teachers (later, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) formed a Ballroom Branch which was instrumental in developing standard dancing styles, which later formed the basis for the International dance standards.

Currently, the term Ballroom Dancing refers to the International Standard dances, which are currently regulated by the WDC (World Dance Council). The International standard comprises the following five dances: the Modern Waltz (also known as the 'slow' or the 'English' waltz); the Viennese Waltz; the Slow Foxtrot; the Tango; the Quickstep.

Sometimes, the term Ballroom Dancing also includes the International Latin style dances, which include: the Samba; the Rumba; the Paso Doble; the Cha-Cha; the Jive.

Both, Modern Ballroom and Latin American Ballroom, dancing styles are well standardized for teaching purposes with a set, internationally recognized vocabulary, technique, rhythm and tempo. The dancing postures for International Latin style varies from dance to dance: some dances require using closed hold, some require partners holding each other with only one hand, few dances require a line of dance and a number of dances have the routines performed on pretty much a single spot.

For the International standard Ballroom dances, the posture requirement is a closed hold (5 points of contact between dancers) during varied tempo (beats per minute) and rhythm (structure). With a set line of dance, this posture provides a very elegant look as the couple floats across the dance floor.

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Improve Your Ballet - The Ballet Bible Review

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Becoming a ballet dancer can be difficult. It is not something that can be learned overnight, nor can it be mastered in a few months. Taking ballet classes is imperative to learn the proper techniques necessary to become a truly magical ballet dancer whose every move and step personify grace and
beauty.

As a resource for beginning through advanced ballet students, The Complete Ballet Bible Package written by Anita Leembruggen, reinforces what students learn in class. It's like having your own private tutor at home.

Broken into three components, ebook, audio and ballet dance videos, these user friendly formats allow you to navigate through every ballet exercise with ease.

Part 1 - titled "The 3 Simple Rules of a Prima Ballerina" is a pdf ebook with over 200 pages of text and detailed pictures. This guide not only shows you how to do a movement or gesture correctly, but shows you how most dancers do it incorrectly, and tells you WHY. No other book I have ever read shows you this. I feel this is a fundamental aspect to learning.

Part 2 - titled "Audio Terms and Definitions" is a audio software package that allows you to find any ballet term and learn its meaning. For each exercise, step, position, and/or pose, a simple point and click allows you to do any of the following: Scroll through the whole list of terms. Find specific terms. Learn the correct French accents for specific terms. Click a button to hear each term sounded out for you with clear and concise definitions and a visible pronunciation guide.

Part 3 - titled "Video Demonstrations" is a collection of over 60 videos on ballet technique. If you are a visual learner like myself this is a real benefit. Being able to watch how to correctly perform a Ballonce or Entrachat Quatre whenever you like, and as many times as you like, is an excellent method to reinforce proper technique.

All in all the The Complete Ballet Bible Package is unlike anything else I could find on the market. It is a flexible online teaching tool that provides you with a visual model of ballet steps, exercises, and principles typically taught only in an educational setting.

Did you know that 95% of people who start ballet classes will fail miserably... here's how you can succeed with the Ballet Bible ... click here

Why Does It Take Two to Tango? A Book Review Tango Instructural Dance Book

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Do you ever remember your folks or grandparents telling you; "it takes two to tango," meaning that there must be more to the story and more fault of the circumstance to spread around. Often, it was a notification that they were not buying the total story and that the blame ought to be spread around a little bit more. Well, the other day, I got thrown out of McDonalds; why you ask?

Well for food-fighting, but I swear that the guy threw nothing back at me, indeed, the manager did not buy it, and threw us both out. Boy was that guy mad at me, I started and he never threw anything back at me, but the manager throws us both out and said; "It takes two to tango!"

Indeed, it usually takes two to tango, but in reality it was not a food-fight anyway, as the gentleman was simply reading his newspaper and never responded. Now that is a funny true story, but have you ever wondered why it takes two to tango? Let me recommend a book that is quite good and will completely clear this up for you:

"Gotta Tango" by Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart - 2004

This is a really cool book which will teach you dance the Tango in true Argentina style and it comes with a music DVD with music to assist you in feeling the moment. The book is full of subtle tricks to create passion, emotion, and sexy alluring moves. You will be blown away as to just how good you can get using this book. Are you looking for pure romance and learning expert style in the Tango? Look no further, this is it.

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"Dance of the Heart" by James L Therrian - Book Review

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Dance of the Heart

by James L. Therrian

James Therrian (2007)

ISBN 9780615135007

"Dance of the Heart" is a quick-read novel of only 118 pages, however, there is so much more to this story than one would expect. First of all, Therrian does a fantastic job of setting up the scenes, the characters, and the beginning. It was very clear to me who the characters were and what role they played.

Michael Baldwin is successful and flourishing. He is well-balanced in his career as a successful professional dancer and home life with a longtime partner, David. And, they just built a beautiful home on Lake Michigan. All goes well until his lead partner, who is morbidly disliked, accidentally dies.

Michael has mixed emotions over her death but even more so, mixed emotions when a new dance partner, Elizabeth, replaces Margo, the dead lead. Michael, acknowledging being gay from as long as he can remember, is extremely attracted to Elizabeth. The drama continues as Michael struggles with his emotions and ultimately discloses his feelings to his partner David.

Of course, David, as any partner would be, is crushed and reacts accordingly. In the meantime, Elizabeth, being only a temporary replacement for Margo, returns to her home. Michael, with all intentions in place, was going to tell Elizabeth how he felt, however, she left before he was able to do so. This results in more mixed emotions for Michael.

"Dance of the Heart" is appropriately named, because there certainly is a lot of heart dancing in the book. Does Michael ever tell Elizabeth how he feels? Can a gay man actually fall in love with a woman? Was Michael's infatuation with Elizabeth real or a fantasy? Does David move on to other lovers?

What a wonderful story! "Dance of the Heart" is an account that proves how complicated love can be. Therrian's story shows how we, as human beings, can spin ourselves into a hole of confusion when we don't follow our true feelings. Michael's mother, Sally, summed it up best by saying "You can't choose who you fall in love with, but you can choose what you do with it. In the end, it's all up to you."

Dancer By Colum McCann - Book Review

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What a terrific book this is. It tells the story of the Russian Tatar dancer Rudolf Nureyev. He was purportedly born on a train, rumbling down the trans Siberian railroad, and somehow that encapsulates his wandering life.

The story opens with the boy Rudi entertaining the mentally and physically scarred troops returning from the Nazi front. His father returns too, a political officer who takes a mighty dim view of his son's chosen career path, something that dogs Rudi's progress at every turn.

Yet he is not to be denied and slowly eases his way up the greasy rungs, and he is not beyond the occasional dirty trick to help him on his way. He is quickly marked out as a rebellious character and is subsequently carefully watched. But not carefully enough it seems, for he manages to defect in Paris from under the noses of the KGB officers. Rudi is on his way, hurtling toward the hedonistic lifestyle of New York, London and Paris.

Personally I found the passages set within the Soviet Union of far greater interest than those in the West. The book moved me to tears on several occasions; such is the power of Mister McCann's writing. It often comes across as a biography, but as he is at pains to point out, this is a work of fiction. Sometimes you have to remind yourself of that, though it never once detracts from the enjoyment it offers.

The book is written in the first person and some people have found that irritating because that first person often changes with every chapter, and sometimes on every page. It is a device that keeps the reader on their toes, yet is does not hinder the writing, or the enjoyment.

It does not matter if you have little or no interest in ballet or dance, or the Soviet Union, or the Cold War, or the Sixties, or World War II, or homosexuality, for this book has the power to grip the reader whatever their interests.

I have just taken a peak at Amazon's ranking for this title. Amazingly it was 486,350! If that is true there is no justice in the world because this is the best book I have read this year. The work in hardback form can be bought for the cost of the postage alone, and that is ridiculous.

Do yourself a favour and read this book, heck, go one step further, treat yourself, and buy a copy. The book and the writer deserve it, and so do you.

David Carter's new novel "The Fish Catcher" tells the story of a group of children evacuated from London during World War II to escape the blitz bombing. It turns into a murder mystery and has been well reviewed. You can check out the first chapter on David's website at http://www.davidcarter.eu/

The book is available in hard copy or by instant download, and can be ordered in any bookshop quoting ISBN 978 - 1847539304

The Ballet Bible

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When I first purchased this book I thought that it would be something fun to share with my students. I collect all things related to dance, knicknacks, posters, DVDs...hence books. When I stumbled upon the ebook online I thought at the very most that it would be a nice addition to my collection of souvenirs. I am a dance teacher and volunteer with work at a dance competition and I am always looking for things about the 'world of dance', I just love anything to do with dancing. I am a very big fan of So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars. I can't wait for them to start again.

So when I actually had the opportunity to read the Ballet Bible I was presently surprised! It surpassed my expectations (which hadn't been very high considering the sales pitch). I had actually found a true gem, an ebook about ballet with solid, valid teaching techniques. The book has over 200 pages of VALID information - SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

Many of the students I teach are heavily into dance competitions such as American Dance Awards, Starpower, Headliners and all the other big ones that I'm sure many of you are aware of. So they are not always interested in how to become a ballerina, but I always try to engrain in them during their dance training that it isn't about how to become a prima ballerina that is important. It is the solid foundations of ballet training that support everything and anything they do related to dance. Ballet training is what truly separates the great dancers from the weak or mediocre. So they roll their eyes at me after one of my lectures and begrudgingly trek upstairs to the ballet room. Well there is one problem - finances. It is true that not all of my students can afford the extra classes that we offer at our school and of course fall short in their training. I must admit, although it is unfortunate, that these particular students don't always do as well when it comes time for dance competition season. Such a shame.

Well now we have - The Ballet Bible! Although you cannot of course compare this to an actual class it is a great study guide for those who want to put in some extra hours at home. If you can only afford one class a week but want to read up on some tips for improving your dance competition game or honestly improve your ballet technique as a whole, this is a great purchase.

Section 1 - "The 3 Simple Rules of a Prima Ballerina" is the pdf version of the ebook which contains over 200 pages of text, pictures and complex illustrations of ballet positions and movements. This part of the ebook tells you how to perform the moves correctly and also illustrates common mistakes that most people make when learning. This is the best part of this section of the material. Sometimes dancers really need to be shown the wrong way in order to correct themselves and conduct the move correctly. Excellent!

Section 2 - "Audio Terms and Definitions" is the audio software package. This section offers a search and find feature that enables you to find any ballet term and learn its corresponding meaning. For each exercise, dance step, position, and/or pose, all you have to do is point and find. The reader also learns the correct French accents for specific terms - it is that detailed. After you click on the term you can hear the correct definition, it is a great feature! This is exactly like hearing a dance teacher give instruction in the classroom.

Section 3 - "Video Demonstrations" is a collection of over 60 videos on ballet technique. That's right, 60 videos, that is equivalent to 60 different classes. If you actually had to pay for 60 dance classes you can imagine the cost you would incur. Now you can put on your dance shoes and follow along in your living room. Being able to watch and imitate is an invaluable tool that The Ballet Bible offers!

Now all the positives being said of course there are the cons.

Being in a dance class with an experienced, qualified teacher is irreplaceable. With an ebook the "hands-on" aspect of dance is non-existent to say the least. You don't have the teacher physically correcting you and manipulating the student's body into the correct positions. This is something you can only get in a classroom. But the alternative is nothing at all.

So - THE BALLET BIBLE is the best compromise! It's author, Anita Leembruggen, is a trained dancer and educator in ballet. She has spent years in the studio and has brought this book to you to share with your students and/or children in the home. Now everyone can learn ballet, it will be as simple as turning on the computer. So put on your ballet shoes and dance along with Anita in THE BALLET BIBLE!

Good luck at all of your dance competitions this year!

If you would like a copy of the Ballet Bible for you teaching library, please go to www.balletbibleinfo.com [http://www.balletbibleinfo.com]