Quick, Before the Music Stops: How Ballroom Dancing Saved My Life

By Janet Carlson

?I?ve been dancing steadily since that Valentine?s Day. I have taken countless lessons and classes, passed a professional certification exam, done several shows and a competition?yes, dressed in those... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076792682X
• ISBN13: 9780767926829
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Broadway
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.9" x 1.1" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Couldn't put this book down!!

Janet Carlson's "Quick, Before The Music Stops" spoke to my soul more than any book has in a long time. I cannot begin to convey how much I enjoyed Carlson's story, as it unfolded through the various stages of her life as a wife, mother and dancer. As someone who entered the world of ballroom dancing just a year ago, I understood profoundly Carlson's passion for dancing. Like Carlson, ballroom dance has become my therapy, my escape from daily life in suburbia. I appreciated the honesty and introspection by which Carlson revealed all the facets of her persona in experiencing the ups and downs of her life at that time. Carlson's account of her experiences with her instructors, their interesting personalities and how they played roles in informing her dancing as well as her self-image was extremely realistic. And I truly loved the descriptive dance passages! Carlson's story - one that remained with me long after reading it - left me the same way each and every ballroom dance lesson leaves me: refreshed, energized and joyful. The words flowed off the page as an extremely well-written account that proved so relevant to my own life. I recommend Janet Carlson's book to anyone who wants and/or needs a spark of inspiration or passion in any facet of life.

The best personal memoir on ballroom dancing by far

There are too many books out there about how ballroom dancing changed an author's perspective on life. While I can appreciate each writer's experience and their desire to share with others, each of these books seems to read the same, with nothing of true depth and substance to really engage me. I typically finish these books out of obligation rather than interest. Despite this, I continue to read every new book on social or ballroom dance that I can find because I hold out hope that someone will offer something unique and remarkable. Janet Carlson's book has validated that hope. Her story begins with the realization of an inner death, the result of a lifeless marriage and an endless cycle of quiet and obligation. What captured me immediately was her beautifully descriptive writing and unique voice. At first I felt Carlson was sharing a little too much detail about the inadequacy of her husband. I felt sorry that his dirty laundry was - both literally and figuratively - being left out for all to see. However, I quickly found myself engrossed in Carlson's journey back into the world of ballroom dancing and how it changed her physical, mental, and emotional landscape. Most books that attempt self help or metaphorical parallels between dancing and life are too saccharine and simplistic. Carlson, however, touches on complex and rich life lessons without preaching or giving simplistic answers. Her strength in this book lies in her ability to put the truth out there in all its complexity, to admit undesired emotions or those we don't like to admit or talk about. This honesty and depth kept me hooked throughout the book. Carlson explores common themes in ballroom dance: connection, musicality, leading and following, technique, control, quality of movement, artistry, and flow. However, she manages to breathe new life into these topics without the common clichés and analogies. She does this by delving into her painful struggle to find meaning in her relationships and in her life. Although in the beginning I found such honesty difficult to read, I quickly discovered it to be the very reason she is able to offer such a unique and engrossing perspective on dance and life. This is one of only two books on dance that I was able to read in less than two days. I very much appreciate the thought and consideration that Carlson put into this book, and it is one of only a few in the dance memoir category that I wholeheartedly recommend.

A Marriage Saver

It's as if Ms. Carlson is throwing a lifeline to those of us whose marriages are in need of rescue, even though she acknowledges she learned her lessons too late to save her own. Having followed her columns in Town & Country over the years, I've found this author has always been really forthright about her own issues in order to help other women. The same compassion and surprising insights are in this book. I've already applied some of her wisdom...with good results. Not only that, for the first time, I'm beginning to understand America's fascination with Dancing With The Stars. Something that's always puzzled me! Now I'm on the lookout for dancing classes near my home...but will make sure my husband comes along! Thanks Janet!

Ballroom Dancing Love

Because my hubby and I took up, by a twist of fate, ballroom dancing about 5 years ago, my daughter and family sent me this book for my birthday. Ballroom dancing becomes a love. One could be at the studio each day. The instruction never ceases and as you move from one instructor to the other, each better than before. Building blocks are erected. I actually picked up some very valuable pointers, as one does constantly, in my own technique reading thru Janet's story. The reality of putting dance either first or second in one's life can be disturbing. It is a very expensive pursuit when one competes. And, it is more than true, as I have first hand witnessed, that marriages suffer, and break up, because one partner is so dazzled by the artistic thrill of becoming a better dancer. I somehow believe that Janet could have saved her marriage. But, I also believe she did not want to; and her husband didn't have a clue. One needs to remember, even Janet, that it is the very few who reach the stars, and it is a short time up in the clouds as one of the best. It is a female's ballroom dancing experience for sure.

I loved this book!

I loved this book! Janet Carlson's indepth understanding of Ballroom Dancing and how she relates dance partnership with everyday family relationships is brilliant! I think men AND women will get something out of her book. I found that i couldn't put it down once i started reading it.