Synopses & Reviews
Ballet is one of the world's loveliest and most demanding art forms, requiring both grace and athleticism. It has a rich history and continues to attract ambitious and dedicated students all over the world. The Ballet Book is produced in conjunction with Toronto's National Ballet School and is a definitive instructional resource for children who are beginning to explore the possibilities and delights of ballet.
Lavishly illustrated with charming black & white photographs of students in action, complemented by explanatory text, The Ballet Book illustrates in detail the positioning of the arms and the feet, barre work, pointe work, alignment, classical ballet poses, attitudes, allegros, batteries and arabesques.
The first chapter includes information about topics such as choosing to dance, finding a teacher, musical accompaniment, the ideal studio, what to wear, and grooming. The second chapter, The Ballet Class, provides detailed black and white photographs of positions of the arms, feet, body, and movements such as turning steps and pirouettes. The third chapter, The Healthy Dancer, describes body-conditioning exercises and exercises which will most benefit your particular physique, and also sensible eating habits and nutritious snacks. The fourth chapter provides photographs (with captions) of some of the world's most famous historical and modern ballet performances, such as A Month in the Country, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Four Last Songs, Manon, Giselle and Jardin de Alegrias.
The comprehensive glossary will initiate students into the terms used in the study of ballet. This handsome book will serve as an inspirational motivator, an exceptional teaching aid, and anideal companion for students.
The Ballet Book includes a foreword by internationally renowned ballerina Karen Kain, currently Artist-in-Residence for The National Ballet of Canada, and a preface by Mavis Staires, Artistic Director, Canada's National Ballet School.
Synopsis
Produced in conjunction with Canada's world-famous National Ballet School, The Ballet Book is a definitive instructional resource for youth and their parents who are beginning to explore the possibilities and delights of ballet.
The book illustrates in meticulous detail -- and through more than 100 photographs - every position, step and pose involved in barre work, pointe work, alignment, classical ballet poses, attitudes, allegros, batteries, pirouettes and arabesques. Age-appropriate and comprehensive, it is a motivational guide, with information on deciding to dance; finding a teacher; musical accompaniment; finding the ideal studio; what to wear and grooming; positions, steps and poses; and exercises and nutrition.
The Ballet Book is a strong guide for both boys and girls.