P R E F A C E

This revised Bronze Standard Manual will appear very different from the two previous manuals, and I would like to enlighten the readers as to the reasons for adopting a new format . When I was asked to take on the job of codifying the Bronze Syllabus, to bring it into line with the technical demands of today' s training standards, I had no idea of the extent of work which would be required. Reviewing other current dance manuals , I soon realized that a complete manual with all the required descriptions listed , e . g. footwork, arm position , rise and fall, etc ., would have to be a very lengthy volume . A major task, therefore, would be to find a way to list all the information in a clear layout, and still keep the number of pages to a minimum. The answer had to be abbreviations.

The new format, therefore, is essentially designed to give the reader all the information required on each step, by simply looking down the columns . This is something new in dance manual layouts There is no longer any need to search elsewhere on the page to find additional information about any particular step . The use of abbreviations makes it possible to give maximum information, seldom contained before in an American Style manual . Once learned, the abbreviations become very easy to read, enabling the teacher or student to prepare for any part or parts of the official Bronze Standard examination.

My sincere thanks to the members of the N . C . D . T . O . Syllabus Committee for their helpful suggestions and advice, and my gratitude to the Board of Governors for their patience in extending enough time to enable me to do the kind of job I hope, the N . C . D . T . O . can be proud of. I am also indebted to my husband, Joseph Geiger, for his extensive help with layout and production, and to Jacqueline Rhode for typing the final draft.

The Syllabus Committee shares with all member organizations on the N.C.D.T.O. the hope that this Manual will indeed serve to raise the standard of dancing for both teachers and students.

November 1980
Rickey Thornhill­Geiger

On behalf of the National Council of Dance Teacher Organizations, it gives me great pleasure to express my deep appreciation to Mrs. Rickey Thornhill­Geiger for her work in revising this Bronze Standard Syllabus Manual. The two previous N . C . D . T . O . manuals for the Bronze Standard Syllabus have both served the purpose for which they were intended, and each has been a valuable vehicle to bring the recommended Syllabus to our teachers and students.

This new Manual responds to the need fox a more detailed breakdown of the Syllabus . In its role as the of ficial N.C . D . T . O . Manual, it will serve teachers to train for the qualifying examination, guide students for their Bronze level medal tests, and give all Pro/Am competitors the step requirements for N . C . D . T . O . ­recognized competitions and championships .

The N.C.D.T.O. is fortunate to have in Rickey Thornhill­Geiger (the former Rickey Cunningham) a leading expert in syllabus technique who, through this detailed Manual, brings to all dance enthusiasts her extensive knowledge and experience in ballroom dancing. Needless to say, the preparation of this volume entailed countless hours of analysis , codification, drafting, typing and verification on her part. Credit is also due to the other members of the N.C.D.T.O. Syllabus Committee who gave valuable advice and assistance over the past two years.

I am convinced that this Bronze Standard Syllabus Manual will prove to be an invaluable and indispensable source of information for all its users .

Vincent Bulger, Ballroom Director N.C.D.T.O.
N . C . D. T . O Syllabus Committee:

Rickey Thornhill­Geiger Chairperson

George Connelly,

Joe Mehegan

Charles King