I don't have the 1961 version but AFAIK it covered associate figures only and did not include the Cha Cha which was still to be adopted by the dance world.

The 1964 edition, published by the Dance Teachers' Association, included all five latin dances up to Fellowship level. It was derived from Laird's articles in "The Dance Teacher" October 1963 to February 1964. It was a small book, more descriptive in style than we know today, reminiscent of Alex Moore's books of the time.

By 1972 the Dance Teacher's Association had added the word International to their name to become the IDTA, and the green book was published in tabular/chart format. No photographs yet so everything had to be described in words including the extra details on use of arms etc.

Interesting comment... Cha NOT being accepted by the dance "world " until early/mid 60s.. nOt quite true. The American system was teaching this way before that ( as was I ).

Now, IF you said the English B/room soc. had not, even then, some had.

Like most things in the dance world, the "english " have invariably become " Johnny come latelies ".. I grew up with the " english " system, and the powers that be, dont take quickly to change .

Agreed Terence2, but I was posting in the context of the Laird Technique rather than the history of dance, and the reference to the "world of dance" was somewhat tongue in cheek.

I was really just pointing out that the earlier editions of the book were very different from the later versions that we know and love. The Green Book was the first in that format.

For reference, the preface to the 1964 edition includes:
"Since the publication of the 1961 edition, the Cha Cha Cha has been included in the syllabus of professional examinations, and detailed descriptions are now given of the figures required for this dance."

As usual we have conflicting stories. I read an article which says that Fred Kelly, the brother of Gene Kelly film actor. that Fred Kelly introduce the Cha Cha Cha to the USA and was the person who created it in its present form. Later everybody tries to take credit

Its pretty well documented, by very reliable sources about the origin of Cha Cha It was formulated by "front " men in latin bands. They often shuffled their feet forwards and backwards,( they still do ! ) during the slower Montunos and Guajiras creating a sound that was interpreted as Cha cha.. Onomatopea..

Jorrin, the musician, is given credit for the musical interpretation, which we now know as Cha cha. Its roots are in Danzon and Guajira .The B/room style was developed primarily by teachers in the states by the A. Murray studios (names, like Laure Haille, Barbara Paul and Bebe Black.. all are ex national d. directors from the 40/50s and 60s ( I worked with all 3 on different occasions )

As to Kellys brother. that's the funniest thing Ive heard in a long time !!

hello to all dancers and dance lovers
im a portuguese dancer, and i have been searching for the green book, edition 1972, but cant find it anywhere on google.
Does anyone know some website or haves the book in .pdf, that could help me ?
its very important for me to read this book, because im beginning in dance, and i want to learn more !
thank you!

If you are beginning in dance, find a good teacher.

Your teacher will benefit from a formal study of the standard technique and will doubtless have acquired a copy of the IDTA's new edition, but the green book is of historical interest, and offers little of use to the novice.

Nobody will ever learn arm styling from a book.

I agree with OK who said that Nobody will ever learn arm-styling from a book. All dancers know that dancing is 4 dimensional; in the sense that time is the 4th dimension. To reduce that to paper is a nearly impossible task. Furthermore, in the past five decades the Latin style has changed. Every Latin dancer knows that as well.

Get a good teacher whose style appeals to you. By the way many teachers regard arm-styling as secondary, because without the correct foot and body work and lead & follow, arm styling is meaningless, at least in my opinion.

It's strange but I took my bronze and silver latin test in 1958 in Hendon London . The Cha cha was part of the syiibus, in fact I was taught the same steps as are being taught today in all of 4 Latin dances.