The Actual Dance - a one-man play and story that explores what love really means
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Now Available!
The Actual Dance
Love's Ultimate Journey Through Breast Cancer

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The Actual Dance
Love's Ultimate Journey Through Breast Cancer

"Samuel A. Simon offers a heartfelt, devoted husband’s autobiography dedicated to his experiences with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As told by Simon, this story engages the need for the reader to suspend disbelief. It pulls the reader in to gain a greater understanding of what it is like to be the partner in life and health concerns. The story flows well with the clear voice of the writer. The cover design is attractive and the back cover information is clear and beneficial for the reader."
Judge, 30th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

"A lucid, unexpectedly uplifting, and affecting celebration of love that finds hope in despair." - Kirkus Reviews

"The result is not a staid "how to" book, but a journey that is, indeed, a dance. Metaphorically displayed and beautifully presented, The Actual Dance is an invitation not to mourn or accept defeat, but to take the first moves into a different series of actions, reactions, and understanding." - Donovan's Reviews
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A love story with an unexpectedly happy ending.

The Actual Dance is told through the eyes and heart of a husband as he struggles with his worst fears during what everyone expects to be his wife's losing battle to breast cancer. Determind to support the "other half of his whole," he provides the positivity his love partner demands and the caregiving she needs. He doesn't share his fears, even as he becomes more certain of her upcoming demise. He also keeps his visits to the virtual ballroom--where each one of us will exit into eternity—secret until he begins to wonder if he's losing his mind. Like the play upon which it was based, The Actual Dance will take you on an emotional but uplifting journey and reward you with a universal, life-affirming lesson of hope, faith and love. 

Winner of the 2022 IPPY Bronze Medal -- For Memoir on Aging 
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Available as an eBook

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What Readers Are Saying

I interrupted a history of the second battle of Manassas and postponed a small stack of other books to read yours first. You write engagingly and at each chapter break I’d think just one more then think the same at the next. I liked your and Susan’s “let’s go look at the ducks”.
- Aims


I just finished reading 
The Actual Dance and I absolutely loved it! What a monumental, beautiful love story. You seemed to get through everything together like some unstoppable force. 
 
I loved the authentic and truthful way you expressed yourself throughout the book as well as the vulnerability you portrayed through your profound love for Susan. I'm blown away Susan's unwavering strength and optimism! I'm hoping that your story will inspire me to deal with my stressful health issues in a more productive way and to be more aware of others.
 
Loved the book!
- Barri

Bought and read your book, The Actual Dance, in one sitting. So impressed by your love and devotion. Your life has been an amazing journey. Remembered your sisters Evelyn, Marion, Harriet, and Susie and your parents. Remember our BBG and AZA days, and your friendship with Ken. I last saw him at his father’s funeral in El Paso when I had moved back for four years when parents were elderly. What a beautiful love story. You write poetically and poignantly. I look forward to seeing you perform this. I bought a ticket during Covid for a virtual performance, but lost my internet connection to a storm. My best for continued joy.
- Susan
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ACTUAL DANCE
Contact Samuel A. Simon for information and media inquiries:
info@theactualdance.com • 202-329-1851 (mobile)
www.TheActualDance.com

PRESENTED BY:
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Mr. Milt Orkin, Responsible Agent, at Producers, Inc.:
milt@producersinc.com • 813-988-8333 • www.producersinc.com

(c) 2012-2023 All rights reserved The Actual Dance, LLC