This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Yes to Social Dance by Myra Kolm is the kick in the rear people need if they've ever considered dance as something they'd like to try, or if they are already on the floor but would like a little inspiration and encouragement. Kolm brings ten years of experience to literary fruition as the spirit of dancing in partners and groups is explored in the context of community, fun, exercise, and simply the joy of moving to music. The book begins with Kolm providing insight on the soul of dance and its purpose as a conversation—something that comes from within you as opposed to a series of just physical steps. The book then moves into the history of social dance, from the medieval basse to the shockingly indecent waltz, to the minuet, swing, and ballroom. Style and steps make way for the ultimate test: having the courage to get out there and just do it.
I remember with perfect clarity, watching in teenage horror as my mother swished her hips in the kitchen with an imaginary salsa partner. She was barely five-foot, East Asian, and without a care in the world as she took a Spanish dance and made it her own. The timing of Yes to Social Dance might not seem ideal in the time of pandemic quarantines, but it's actually quite perfect since we all have time to focus on a new hobby, right? Myra Kolm injects a distinct personal style into her writing and an inaccessible or downright scary topic is made wholly approachable. The writing is straightforward, tight, and encouraging with bits of whimsy and stories sprinkled throughout. I can tell you that for the past twenty years it has been a firm 'no' to social dance...but Kolm now has me thinking that I've been wrong all along. Very highly recommended.
