Author T. Guzman-Sanchez's New Book Explores the Birth and Destroys the Myths of Urban Street Dance

Nov. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- “Thomas Guzman-Sanchez has created a powerful work that not only shows you where the origin of the moves came from, but solidifies a much earned place in Dance History for its inventors and dance groups.” said Kenny Ortega Director/Choreographer of “This Is It” and “High School Musical” about the WORLDWIDE release of Underground Dance Masters: Final History of a Forgotten Era™ (Praeger/ABC-Clio). Author Thomas Guzman-Sanchez (an innovator and major force as an Urban Street Dancer) has spent 20 years getting the story right.

Referred to as the "bible on urban street dance," the book not only gives an accurate historical accounting of street dance but puts the history into a social and cultural perspective that reveals the motivation and inspiration of the dancers who changed the world through their innovation of the art of dance. "Underground Dance Masters" transports the reader back to a time when the music, lifestyles, fashion and dance changed the face of contemporary culture. This unbiased, well-researched and well-written tome acknowledges for the first time in print the contributions of all of the players, both gay and straight. The book shares, not only the iconic dance moves, events and innovators but also exposes the darker side of the some of the worlds greatest superstars. The book is the definitive exploration of Urban Street dance forms like Funk Boogaloo, Robot, Locking, Zig-Zag, Crossover Locking, Posing, Punking, B-Boying, Rocking, Jacking and more.

What started in 1993 as a passion for history and a search for the truth, led Thomas Guzman-Sanchez on an incredible journey from a kidnap attempt in Paris, an assault in New York City to death threats focused at he and his family. Clarifying for the first time ever, the author weaves the volatile history, origin, migration and evolution of the different dance forms that make up Urban Street Dance. He has brought together every legendary dance master and dance group that were responsible for creating what has become a worldwide phenomenon.

“Thomas Guzman-Sanchez is the world's leading authority on Urban Dance History and Anthropology” says Anthropologist Joan Erdman Ph.D. He's received top academic awards from universities and recognition from Dance on Camera DFA and Dance On Camera West. In 2006 he contacted the director of the Ohio State University Dance History department and upon introduction she told him that she knew who he was because she had taught his study for 6 years. Apparently she received a copy of his documentary and converted it into her curriculum. This has become known as “Urban Dance Studies” and has been adopted by other universities both domestically and abroad. Thomas is also a proud member of the board of advisers for the American Heritage Dictionary, responsible for 23 new words and definitions in the new American vernacular.

He has recently received an invitation to come to the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the African American Museum & Library at Oakland for a signing/lecture/screening and exhibit. Uniquely American, what is now called Hip Hop Dance is entrenched in contemporary culture the world over. Featured in television commercials, music videos and taught in local and regional dance schools the idiom has become the de facto style of popular dance expression. In fact, two generations of young dancers have grown up knowing only Urban Dance moves. Urban Dance has taken its place alongside classical dance styles as a true form of artistic expression and with "Underground Dance Masters" the history, people and the truth have been revealed. In support of the book Thomas along with his brother Paul, both from the legendary dance group Chain Reaction, have produced a feature documentary of the same title based on the new hardcover book. The feature documentary will be released in December 2012.

Official website:
http://www.dancemaster.com

Available for interviews and personal appearances,

please contact: Publicist - Tom Sachelle

Thomas Guzman-Sanchez is represented by FinePrint Literary in New York.