Book Description

Customer Reviews (18)

Everything you need to know
I was reaquired to purchase this book many years ago for a college level ballet class I took.I still have my copy.It's an outstanding reference for terminology.

Best Ballet Dictionary
I am a dance instructor, and have been using this Ballet Dictionary for over 15 years.It is easy to use and all of the terminology is correct and easy to understand.Steps are described in great detail, and I would recommend this book to dance students of every age and every skill level.For the price, you can't find a better Ballet Dictionary!

Highly recommended for any dancer any age
All dancers should be familiar with classical ballet terminology.This book is great for spelling, pronunciation and defition.It's one of those great books to have in your ballet bag at all times.I wouldn't go anywhere without mine!Highly recommended for all dancers.

A great reference book!
This a great manual if you want to compare RAD, Vaganova,BBO and Cecchetti methodology.

The best ballet pocket dictionary, I've ever used !
I have had ballet studios and educational school for many years. This little unpretencious dictionary has an amazing content. It is full of steps and drawings with the correct ballet terminology, which is carefully explained.
It is a plus that the book tells about french, russian and italian ballet styles. We practice the french style and the dictionary is very valuable for the students and teachers if, there should be any problem.
We keep the dictionary at the ballet studio, and be sure that the students know where to find it.

... Read more

Amazon.com
Dancers get their beautiful bodies by dancing, right? Well, there's more to it than that. They also do specific exercises and stretches to build their strength and keep their magnificent physiques injury-free. This book offers 50 of those exercises, ranging from routine abdominal movements to "center exercises" (which develop coordination and stability) to advanced leg movements (which, of course, give you legs like a dancer). The book even offers suggestions for music to play while you follow the training tips.Book Description
New York City Ballet Workout is a revolutionary fitness program that will help you begin to develop lean abs, firm buttocks, a contoured waist, sculpted legs, slim thighs, strong arms, perfect posture, flexbility you never thought possible--and grace and poice of a dancer. More than three hundred stunning step-by-step and other photographs throughout make this the most beautiful and easy-to-use exercise book ever created.This elegant book is unlike any exercise book ever published. Graced with more than 300 instructional exercise photographs and extraordinary duotone portraits of New York City Ballet dancers, The New York City Ballet Workout explores the company's philosophy of balancing art, life, and fitness.

By combining elements of New York City Ballet's balletic regimen with practical strength-building exercises, The New York City Ballet Workout can help people achieve a strong, graceful, and flexible body--one that displays the impeccable poise that is the trademark of New York City Ballet dancers.

Many exercises of The New York City Ballet Workout were once confined to the world's elite rehearsal studios. Now, as refined by Peter Martins and his company, these exercises have been designed as a comprehensive, holistic approach to the body that can be used by anyone from the out-of-shape to the serious athlete, to attain a lean, hard, beautiful body. From flexibility to endurance, this is a complete exercise program for men and women. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (73)

same
i said The Same is becaser you are if you azre young thasn OK Great,But for older OLDER in ballet you need propanocil and the BEST WORKOUT which i is I What I Do NOW

WOW!!
Need a great workout that you can do at home without the need for a DVD??This is it.If you follow it and push yourself then you will benefit from this amazing book.It is not about jumping around, it is about stretching and using your body for stability and resistance.I am a dancer and found this book wonderful, I made my husband try it and he was a little confused with the terminology and that he has never put his body in some of the exercise poses before!!

"Excellent"
To everyone I wish could be more explicit but english is not my primary language. This book is Excellent.

slow going
This video is very pretty to watch.... once.

But the exercises are extremely slow, with very long transitions between the different sections.

You need to take more than an hour for a mediocre workout.

I did not feel like I was making any effort and certainly not getting a hard workout.

The bonus clips are nice though, if you want to get a glimpse into the life of NYC ballet dancers.

Photobook for ballet enthuthiasts
This book is wonderfully published -- it features glossy pages, beautiful, high resolution photos, and artfully placed typography.

That said, this is not any kind of book for someone looking for a real workout.If you're genuinely interested in ballet, and beautifully sculpted bodies, this book is for you.If you're looking for some new ideas to switch up your workout routine, you may want to pass. ... Read more

Book Description
In the tradition of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess come Noel Streatfeild’s tales of triumph. In this story, three orphan girls vow to make a name for themselves and find their own special talents. With hard work, fame just may be in the stars! Originally published in 1937. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

the worst book I've ever read in my life!
This book is very confusing and mis leading. The author first went wrong with charicters with names like underware or perfume brands enough said. Please consider this reveiw and buy a different book please the last thing this book needs is five stars. :( ;( 8(

Differences are beautiful
What I love the most about this book is that it reminds all of us, especially young girls, that being different is beautiful and special.Some of us may be actors, others dancers, etc.In the end the most important thing is to follow our hearts.This is a great book for girls today- growing up in a time when the media continues to suggest that we should all "follow the crowd".

Favorite Childhood Book
This was my favorite book growing up; I read it over and over and over again.Whether it was because I was one of three sisters, or because I loved dancing, or simply because of the incredible world Streatfeild created, I don't know.I wanted to have the magical life that Pauline, Petrova, and Posy shared.This is a great read for any young girl, and might even be appreciated by not-so-young girls as well.I'm sure I'll keep rereading it throughout my life.I loved that it got the recognition it deserved in "You've Got Mail."

Also good: Children on the Top Floor.Not strictly a "shoe" book like the others, but just as good.

A wonderful and charming story!
I loved this book! It is the story of three orphans, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy, who are adopted by an older man who is gone during most of the book. After going through most of the money that he has left for their care until his return, the three sisters attend a special school of the arts. There they can learn to act, dance, and sing; then they can get jobs in different performances making money. Pauline falls in love with acting, Posy is a natural dancer, and poor Petrova would rather fix cars and learn to fly planes than be on stage. All the characters are wonderful and a joy to read about, the story is unique and charming. I simply didn't want it to end. The sisters are fun characters that children will love to read about. Adults will enjoy this story just as much.

Ballet Shoes--Life before Social Benefits
For any aspiring young dancer, this book is a must read.This series of "shoe" books is the one mentioned in You've Got Mail>Set in England around 1913, it details the lives of three adopted children, Pauline, Petrova, and Posy Fossil who learn to dance and act in order to help out their guardian's niece who is looking after them while GUM (Great Uncle Mathew) is away looking for more fossils.They attend the Children's Academy of Dance in London, but are trained in acting, mime, and dance.Posy's mother was a famous ballerina and Posy, the youngest will stop at nothing to get the best training.Petrova's mother was Russian, but Petrova loves machinery of all kinds, especially cars and airplane (aeroplanes in England).Pauline is a natural actress and achieves fame in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream.This book is great for all girls who want to become famous and make their name known. ... Read more

Book Description

The Ballet Companion is a fresh, comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date reference book for the dancer. With 150 stunning photographs of ballet stars Maria Riccetto and Benjamin Millepied demonstrating perfect execution of positions and steps, this elegant volume brims with everything today's dance student needs, including:

• Practical advice for getting started, such as selecting a school, making the most of class, and studio etiquette

• Explanations of ballet fundamentals and major training systems

• An illustrated guide through ballet class -- warm-up, barre, and center floor

• Guidelines for safe, healthy dancing through a sensible diet, injury prevention, and cross-training with yoga and Pilates

• Descriptions of must-see ballets and glossaries of dance, music, and theater terms

Along the way you'll find technique secrets from stars of American Ballet Theatre, lavishly illustrated sidebars on ballet history, and tips on everything from styling a ballet bun to stage makeup to performing the perfect pirouette.

Whether a budding ballerina, serious student, or adult returning to ballet, dancers will find a lively mix of ballet's time-honored traditions and essential new information.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

No serious dancer should be without!
We give a copy of this book to all graduating seniors who intend to continue their dance career.

If You Love Ballet, You Need This Book!
This book is a must have for anyone who loves the Ballet.There is a little something her for everyone, instructors, dancers, ballet enthusiast.It's a beautifully put together collection of photos, descriptions of ballet moves as well as descriptions of actual ballets.This is a wonderful book for research purposes and a beautiful addition to anyone's personal library.The history of dance is also included as well as other interesting bits and pieces of trivia.

Ms. Gaynor Minden's love for ballet comes across in this book.I highly recommend this title if you love ballet or know someone who does.

A Must for every Ballet Mom Library
Written in lay-persons terms so I could understand. Every thing you need to know concerning ballet. - From warm ups to jumps, ribbons to toe shoes, healthy eating to injury protection, Ballet history to future diva dancer. I have been able to look up an ache, see what muscles are in the area and then look up the appropriate stretches.All in one book!

And there are 5 glossaries in the back of the book.- Ballet Terms, Music Terms, theater Teams, Social Dances, and Dancer Slang! Don't get stuck with a "Dolly Dinkle"! Be a proud "Bun Head" and be in the know! This may very well be the only dusted book in your Ballet Library.

Poor Mom of Three Darling Dancing Divas.

Lovely
I really enjoyed this book.There's almost nothing out there for us adult beginners, and this book fills that gap totally.I highly recommend it for anyone starting out, but would hesitate to get it if you've already been taking classes for a few years.

Demasiado básico
Si buscas un libro donde aparezcan los conceptos más básicos del ballet, este es perfecto.El problema es que abarca muchos temas y profundiza poco en todos. ... Read more

Book Description
With this brilliantly imagined and beautifully achieved work, Gretchen Warren has created the fisrt comprehensive, photgraphicaly illustrated reference and teaching guie on classical ballet technique. In more than 2,600 photographs, Johan Renvall, Cynthia Harvey, Susan Jaffe, and an array o other dancers from such companies as the American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet demonstrate in sequence every movement in the classical repertoire, from the most basic to the most advanced.

The book's design matches each photograph with captions that details appropriate teaching techniques and describe the proper teaching techniques and describe the proper execution of each step. A glossary defines common dance terms, and a pronunciation guide provides phonetic transcriptions of French ballet terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Ballet Bible- excellent
This book is one of the best books I have ever seen.I like to call it my "ballet bible" because it is a perfect reference for ballet dancers and teachers.I love how every step is precisely explained and pictured with photographs of excellent dancers executing every movement perfectly.This book is excellent for all intermediate-Advanced dancers and teachers.I would recommend this book to beginners as well, not so that they can learn steps, but as a reference tool for steps, poses, terms and concepts that they have already learned in their ballet class.I have noticed that some steps are labeled differently then I have ever heard them before.If you come across any of the terms like this then it is best to ask you ballet teacher what they call the step (then you can even write it in the book).Some teachers call things differently than other teachers and your teacher may call a step differently than the book and that is okay.At any rate labeled differently or not...the steps are executed the same way and this book makes for the perfect reference or "Ballet Bible"! A+++

Wow! Just wonderful!
This is an amazing piece of work and a book well-thumbed by myself and my adolescent pupils. It explains the differing uses of the basic French terminology in the Italian/Russian/French/English schools VERY CLEARLY and the hundreds of photos are really helpful when breaking down a new step in class. This book is not suitable for beginners or adults/parents who haven't done lots of serious training themselves. It is another book that should be on every ballet teacher's bookshelf and be made available to all vocational students.

A review from a 12 year old ballerina
This book was great! It's all photos that show you the correct and incorrect way to do almost every step you can think of!! Plie, tondue, jete, frappe, glissade, pirouettes, fouette, grande jete, arabesque, devlope, I could go on and on!

The only thing that could be a bit confusing, was that they had a few different kinds of techniques, which is good, but if you don't know which technique you are, it can be confusing....just to warn people who are new to the dance world.

But I DEFINITELY recommend it!!!!! Half.com sells it for cheaper.

The best book about ballet technique ever!
This is certainly the most comprehensive book about ballet technique. As an adult beginner it is extremely helpful when you see a step demonstrated in class an didn't quite catch it, to just go to this book and watch the very comprehensive pictures and try it out. It is also good for widen your ballet vocabulary as it touches different styles/systems as well.

It is a must have for ANY ballet student!

More Than The Basics!
Among ballet dancers, this book is considered one of the best references for the professional dancer.It is not really for young beginners.For example, It may give the comparisons between French, Italian, Danish, and Russian versions of a particular step.I like to refer to this in some cases even more than dvd references, since it is often more complete.This book appears to cover center steps more thoroughly than barre steps.For better sources of barre exercises see my other reviews, especially "The Classic Ballet:..." by Lincoln Kirstein. ... Read more

Book Description
Whether you want to participate in ballet or just watch it, the ballet experience can excite and inspire you. Ballet is among the most beautiful forms of expression ever devised: an exquisite mix of sight and sound, stunning, aesthetics, and awesome technique.

Ballet For Dummies is for anyone who wants to enjoy all that the dance forms offers – as an onlooker who wants to get a leg up on the forms you're likely to see or as an exercise enthusiast who understands that the practice of ballet can help you gain

• More strength
• Greater flexibility
• Better body alignment
• Confidence in movement
• Comfort through stress reduction
• Infinite grace – for life

Today you can find a ballet company in almost every major city on earth. Many companies have their own ballet schools – some for training future professionals, and others for interested amateurs. As you fine-tune your classical ballet technique – or even if you just like to read about it – you'll become better equipped to fully appreciate the great choreography and many styles of the dance. Ballet For Dummies raises the curtain on a world of beauty, grace, poise, and possibility! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great forbeginners!!
I like this book.This book is what I was looking for.It covers all basics with a very simple description and you don`t have to dig for the further explanation somwhere else.Author do not assume that every person in the world knows at least 1% of ballet terminology.
Thanks a lot for this book!This is what I was looking for

The perfect introduction I have been looking for.
This is absolutely the perfect book for someone wanting to learn (or learn about) ballet. I have seen the other ballet books out there. Most of them are either too simplistic (showing pictures of various pretty moves without telling you how to do them) or too abstract.This book strikes the ideal balance. It is practical and thorough. It doesn't assume any prior experience in ballet, but goes from square 1 to a quite advanced level.It takes you through the same logical sequence of moves that all dancers learn. It offers tons of tips and inside information that only ballet dancers know. It's very well written and easy to read. The expert authors are knowledgeable, patient, and VERY FUNNY. (A laugh on every page -- I didn't expect that added bonus.). And it has what seems like about a million beautiful photographs illustrating each move in great detail.I can't say enough great things about this book.It's the book I've been waiting for. Buy it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The product is excellent
Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction in the Ballet Class

The product is excellent

A great easy-to-read textbook
I was assigned this book in college for Dance Pedegogy and found it to be a great resource to understanding anatomy as it relates to dance.It gave me many new insights into allignment, the foot and the hip flexor and not only opened up new posibilities as an instructor, but as a dancer as well.

Great Book!
This book is great to give you the ins and outs of why we do the things the way we do as dancers. It gives you a better understanding of how the parts of the body work together to achieve the skills we need.

One of the best ballet books ever written!
Ballet is being taught incorrectly all over the world today except for in a few great institutions such as the Royal Ballet School.Valerie Grieg has brought to light the lies that fill so many ballet classrooms today.She explains the technique of ballet simply and clearly and why and how it works.As a student of ballet, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had a teacher who cares about the technique immensely, and it is comforting to know that people such as Grieg still care about the art's technique!If you are either a teacher or student of ballet, this book is a must read!You will benefit greatly from what Grieg has to say.

The best ballet book out there.
I am a young dancer and both my teacher and I have benfited from this book. Not only does it have certain tips, but it teaches dancers about their main asset.... their bodies. The portion about the pelvis not onlyhelped my placement, but everything else benefited from that. My turns werebetter and so were my balances. ... Read more

Book Description
IT'S SEPTEMBER, AND it’s time for school—ballet school! Join a class of the youngest ballet students as they learn about music, balance, teamwork, and even have a recital. A perfect first ballet book.

Praise for Jane Feldman’s I Am A Dancer:

“An attractive, up-to-date photo essay that will appeal to budding dancers. . . .”—School Library Journal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Book!
This is a informative book for little children who like ballet. Very enjoyable pictures that give ideas about what ballet class and a recital looks like.

We love this book!
My daughter, 3, loves this book. I wish there were more books like this. Books about real kids doing normal things that use photographs of kids instead of animal characters.My daughter really relates to the photos and situations in the book. Good for any little girl who is interested in ballet!

My 4 year old daughter's favority book!
My daughter is a "girly-girl" who loves ballet! We found this book over the summer. It was great preparing her to start ballet lessons in the fall. The book is about a little girl who loves ballet. It shows her in ballet class, shopping for ballet shoes, reading bedtime fairy tales with her mommy, and then preparing for her recital. The photos are up to date and really make the book. Any little girl would love this story! ... Read more

Book Description
Written for the adult beginner, Ballet Basics is a well-illustrated introduction to the fundamentals of ballet technique. The text also provides an overview of the history of ballet and introduces students to the world of ballet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Best Book for Adult Beginners...
Finally a good ballet instruction book that's encouraging and doesn't talk down to adult beginners.The more ballet classes I take, the more I realize how well this book distills the important aspects of ballet.Sketches and photos showing correct (and incorrect) body positioning are appropriately used.When I started ballet, I picked up a handful of books, and I always reached for this one when I had 10 minutes to learn a new tidbit.The brief history of ballet in the final chapter is added bonus.If you're an adult beginner, start with this book and the David Howard videos, plus a good teacher once or twice a week.You won't be auditioning for the American Ballet Theatre, but you'll become a proficient dancer pretty quickly.

Great learning aid for adult beginners
I have the 3rd edition of this book, which was required for a college Ballet I class.As a beginning, adult, male student, I found the book to be very detailed - which I like.She gives you illustrations of steps, with the French name & pronunciation, why your doing it (e.g. to stretch certain muscles), a description, etc..

Initially, working at the barre (e.g. how to stand, plie', positions of the feet) Sandra gives correct & incorrect drawings. Of course, no book or video can replace being in class nor should it.With ballet you need a teacher to correct what your doing wrong so you can learn from it.Then having good books, videos, etc. as reference material helps you learn.

The book is written for us beginner adults, not children and not the pro's, which is really nice.Since we don't have nearly the flexibility of them.It also includes some history in the back of the book.Illustrations show men as well as women.Also included is what to wear to class, what to expect in class, how you should act, etc..

Get her other book once you get beyond the basics.

Excellent basic technique manual
This book provides a good solid basic technique overview.It has been used as a textbook at some colleges, and was highly reccomended by my former headmistress.I found the text interesting and helpful, and theillustrations sufficient.Of course, no book can replace a talentedinstructor, but as a supplement to a dance program, this book is superior. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Second time around
I had this book when I was a kid and I loved it.I had it when I moved and then one day is was just gone.So I got it again.I love the pictures and it is a great supplement to a class.

From a Ballet Teacher!
I have many technique books that are on the market,and this book tops them all! Most ballet teaching books relate to little kids only, well, this book grows with the student. What I mean is its not sugar coated with pictures of little kids dressed in pink tutus. It shows a real ballerina deminstraiting technique.
I like this book,and recomend it to you as well as my students.
Kim's school of dance.

A Useful Reference Book
This very complete volume is a lovely gift book as well as a useful reference book.The only weakness is the lack of emphasis on arm positions when doing the steps although they are illustrated in the photographs.I believe dancers who have experienced the following will find it useful too:When I was a student of ballet, I was frustrated by the subtle differences in the standards of different teachers.Sometimes I wondered, "So how EXACTLY am I supposed to do this?"I did not enjoy being corrected for what a prior instructor had taught me and pronounced well-executed.This book would have clarified things for me at the time.Now that I practice alone, I find this book invaluable.Also, I support Christine's review dated May 4, 2001.

Great little reference book
"Basic Ballet" by Joyce MaaKie is a great (no-nonsense) reference book for the ballet enthusiast, regardless of age. It explains the positions throughly and with lots of photos.The only thing that would make it better would be to increase the size of the pictures and make it a wire-bound book so it stays open when performing the techniques.

A very nice book; I would want to know more about it.
This book, which has 66black and white photographs as illustrations, usually two, three or four on a page and a different number of them, occasionally including one only, on the opposite page, facing, should be helpful to all those who are interested in the ballet, whether children, young people, or adults, whether because they might like to study it, are studying it, or are just interested in learning more about it to increase their own knowledgeandenjoyment of itas interested parties at live performances, etc. , for example. It is a nice place to start, and the photographs are very helpful.Basic Ballet would also make a very nice present for a young person who is interested. ... Read more

Book Description
The complete 8-year curriculum of Lenningrad's famed Vaganova Choreographic School, which trained Nureyev, Baryshnikov and Markova, including over 100 photographs. A volume which no teacher, scholar or student of the dance can afford to miss. "A serious, indeed indispensable, textbook." -Clive Barnes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Very Good Information
I studied the Vaganova Method at ABT as a child and young adult. Now that I am teaching I like to use the book as a guideline, review and brush up on things I may be overlooking. When you are away from the classroom as an adult (or an older adult) it is necessary to keep trying to learn from others or resources. I highly recommend this book.

Great!!!
I love this book. As a new teacher, it has been invaluable in helping me to create the classes for my beginning students.

The best book to teach classical ballet by
I'm a former dancer and a classical ballet teacher now. This book is a Ballet bible among my colleagues who teach classical ballet.

Fabulous!
I cannot say enough good things about this book.I studied ballet for about twelve years when I was young and was asked to offer a ballet club in my school in the fall.This book lays out, class by class, how to train young dancers effectively.Included are photographs of correct positions and technique so even though my own is a little rusty I am able to show my students illustrations of what they will hope to achieve especially since my turn out has never been that great.I am happy to say that the class attracted boys as well as girls in my inner-city school and that a few of the children have convinced their parents to enroll them in a dance school due to their diligence and the interest they demonstrated in the ballet club.

irreplaceble resourse
Was delighted to find this fine book on classical ballet.
My daughter is an aspiring ballerina and drinks this book.
... Read more

Book Description
Long renowned as one of the world's preeminent ballet companies, San Francisco Ballet marks its seventy-fifth anniversary with a stunningly beautiful retrospective. Replete with intimate portraits of the dancers and behind-the-scenes contributors, this book is the first serious depiction of America's oldest ballet company. Included in this deluxe package is a DVD that provides insight into the company's illustrious history and together with the book, tells the story of how San Francisco Ballet has forged a fresh identity for American dance and is now pioneering a new model of internationalism in the dance world. ... Read more

Book Description
Before Belinda was Belinda the Ballerina, before she was Belinda in Paris, and way before she was Belinda and the Glass Slipper, she was a little girl who wanted to dance. But there were two things standing in the way— her left foot and her right foot.

Belinda’s teacher, Mrs. Rhino, chooses Belinda to play the clown in a skit for the school talent show. Her feet are perfect for floppy clown shoes. But after seeing an older girl soar big across the stage as a ballerina, Belinda has other plans....

This fourth book about everyone’s favorite ballerina is sure to delight little ballerinas with big dreams.

... Read more

Book Description
"Here is New York City Ballet as it really is- the good, the not so good, and the majestically beautiful. It's a true story, and it's told by someone who can honestly claim that he was there." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great addition for any dancer
In The Wings is a wonderful book to own especially if you or the person you're buying the book for has had dance training. It's a wonderful look at everything you don't see before the performance. The morning warm up, ten-minute break, and exhausting rehearsals. My only gripe is that it's small! I was hoping this would be a coffee table book but it is in fact compact and very easy to take around.

The pictures and commentary are fabulous and give an in depth look into the goings on of the NYCB.

Highly recommended for the content and both black and white and color photographs. Only downer is the size, but that is easily looked past when you see what an amazing book this is.

A must have
This book is not another valentine to the New York City Ballet - it's far more authentic than that, and far more important. It's an often poignant look at what it's been like for this thoughtful, creatively gifted dancer to grow up in the company, with all the joys and disappointments that come with that surreal but privileged life.
I've always thought of Kyle Froman as a beautiful dancer, but as it turns out he's also a gifted photographer and an elegant writer as well. His photographs and his words have a penetrating honesty, and the book succeeds so brilliantly because it rings so true.

New York City Ballet Must Have
I wish this book would have received more attention upon its release. It is a fabulous book of photographs and commentary from someone, a dancer, on the inside at New York City Ballet and is filled with images, wonderful images, that one would likely not otherwise see in any other ballet book. For the fan of NYCB it's a must have, but would be equally at home on the shelf of any ballet or photography fan. Mr. Froman has produced a keeper. Bravo!!!

A Must Buy
Rarely do I write in about purchases I've made, but In The Wings deserves mention.I bought this book for my daughter, a twelve-year old aspiring dancer, but when it arrived in the mail, I found myself completely immersed in it.
I don't consider myself a ballet buff.What I immediately identified with was the dancers' devotion to their art.I loved the fact that Froman didn't portray this world as sugary sweet.In page after page of gorgeous photography, he showed what it was like to devote yourself to something, what it takes from you, and what it gives back.Bravo, Kyle Froman

Wonderful Behind-The-Scenes Ballet Book
This book provides a great look behind-the-scenes at my favorite ballet company, New York City Ballet. Kyle's photos are super and his story of a day in the life of a dancer is revealing, funny and moving all at once.

I wrote about the book at my blog, Oberon's Grove. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Concise, thorough & easy to read
This book is especially interesting and easy to follow.It provides a sound overview of the history of dance with special focus on ballet and modern dance.This book introduces the novice to the legendary art of dance and captures the reader's attention with crafty storytelling.Iparticularly enjoyed the portion focusing on the history of ballet. Anderson introduces the reader to many of the individuals who shaped andpopularized this art form while providing a firm background of the originsand development of this art. This book begins with a history of dance inthe Greco-Roman era and brings the reader full circle with discussions ofrecent triumphs in dance.Anderson creates a book that is informative andthorough while presenting the reader with drawings and photographs of manyinfluential artists and great performances. ... Read more

Book Description
In the car or at home, children will love listening to their favorite ballet stories told scene-by-scene, while looking at international dance companies in action in a beautiful keepsake book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Best Book on Classic Ballets!!
I bought this book as a gift for my 5 year old daughter who had just learned about Coppelia at summer dance camp. This book not only has the wonderful pictures and stories of the ballets but also a wonderful CD of the music to accompany it.My ballerina really like the pictures of the pros as well.We read it over and over and make up our own dances to the music.A must have for any ballerina!

Wonderful, inspiring, illustrations
This book should never go out of print.It has the most beautiful illustrations and the stories are told in a charming condenced manner.Each story includes a note or two about the music, some history, original dancers, and practical tips.For example, a note is made in the Swan Lake story indicating that the bow which was to be used to shoot the swans was too heavy for the dancer.He had to change his balance and lower his jumps when he danced with that particular prop. I am a ballet teacher and I have seen many children's ballet books, this one is at the top of my list.

Illustrated Book of Ballet Stories
Great book! We bought it for our 4-year old's first dance recital and are enjoying reading and learning with her.The music is an added value and makes it all the more educational and enjoyable.

Awesome book and music!
This book is awesome! not only does it tell you about ballet stories, it has music to go along. and also some of the vocabulary. it's really terrific! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Fun to color and read
This book is a nice version of the pictorial book we found and loved in our local library.I was thrilled to find a version my daughter could color any way she wanted.I felt like it was pretty accurate with how we have experienced starting ballet lessons, including being excited and nervous.The drawings are pretty but simple enough for my preK colorist to handle.

excellent illustrations and descriptions
Like all the Dover coloring books, this one is an excellent educational tool as well as a fun coloring book.One thing that other reviewers have not noted is that many of the illustrations feature young male dancers.In fact, the dancers illustrated are of different ages and ethnicities as well which is nice to see.

accurate illustrations
I am a dance teacher and I bought this coloring book so that my students could learn while coloring. It is a nice book, with actual steps and definitions - quite thorough. It is not babyish, it is useable for students even a little older.

Best coloring book on ballet technique!
As a ballet instructor, I cannot recommend this coloring book enough for children who are serious about learning about ballet.I use this in my beginning ballet class (ages 5-8), giving them a "memory term" each week.The kids are excited to learn the terms in this book, and they get to color too!

Great for Interested Ballerina's
It's a great book for girls very interested in Ballet. My daughter loves it. I gives the correct french names of positions and the pictures are large enough to make colouring stand out. its a beautiful book,especially when it's almost full of colour! ... Read more

Book Description
From dance class to the big recital, this interactive book is perfect for aspiring dancers! Complete with a handle and velcro closure, it makes a handy carrying case for the make-believe dance gear inside.

In this book are all the things you need to be a prima ballerina! You can:

• touch the sparkly mini-leotard and tights

• feel the tulle tutu

• remove the paper water bottle, comb, brush, and hairspray

• personalize the ballerina locket

• play with the recital tickets

• look in the pull-out mirror

• open and close the curtains

• smell the pop-up rose bouquet

• and more!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The little girls love these books
I bought this book for my 5 year old and then for another little girl for her birthday, and they just love these books.They are like pop up books for older kids - lots of surprises and things to do on the pages.Mostly, this is a cute "girly girl" book...the girls love to pretend to get ready for the dance recital by putting on makeup and combing their hair.Very cute stuff!

good story, poor quality product
Cute pictures, nice idea, but manipulatives are not quality materials.They're made of thin paper and tear easily.This needs to be a board book made of stronger paper.I bought it to use with students, but it's not made well enough to use more than once.

My 4-year-old daughter is enthralled by this book!
What makes this book great is the manipulatives -- the removable, miniature items like the comb and brush, mirror, lipstick, and so on. The pieces are lightweight cardboard and will perhaps become dog-eared over time, but only with the huge amount of pleasure that they will bestow upon my daughter. She received this book 2 weeks ago as a gift, and although she can read every word of it herself, she asks me to read it to her every night at bedtime. Along with reading it to her, I take out the comb and pretend to brush her hair, open the makeup case and pretend to put blush on her cheeks...we have a lot of fun with pretend play with this book.

This book would be a perfect recital gift for a young ballerina or a sure-to-please birthday gift for any young girl who loves to dance.

Best Book for kids under 5
Gorgeous and educational book for little girls who dream of being a prima ballerina.Fantastic!!!! Highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description
BalleCore is unique in that it combines three tried-and-true disciplines into one optimal workout. Pilates strengthens and stretches the major muscles, activates your core (the band of muscles below your chest), and energizes your body. Hatha yoga helps quiet the mind through breath, fortifies the nervous system, builds stamina, and produces mental equilibrium. Ballet increases blood flow, develops poise, promotes good posture, and improves balance.

Fitness dynamo and faculty member of the Boston Ballet for the past seven years, Molly Weeks is the woman behind BalleCore. She has chosen an array of effective exercises from each of these three disciplines to create a fulfilling workout that can easily be done in your own home and in under an hour. The results?

• Reduce backaches and stress
• Develop stature, support the spine, and feel steady on your feet
• Sculpt your arms, legs, hips, and core–and look trimmer than ever
• Loosen those tight spots in the shoulders, neck, and joints
• Gain an incredible sense of ease throughout your body
• Experience inner calm, self-confidence, and renewed optimism

With step-by-step instructions and profusely illustrated with helpful photographs, The BalleCore Workout® is the ultimate path to good health, longevity, and mind/body wellness. Remember: 50 minutes a day can change your life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Emphasis on ballet over Pilates and yoga, but well done
I've been aware of this book since it came out.Molly Weeks was one of the participants on the original Method show several years ago, and I was not surprised that she, too, had developed an exercise system that combined yoga, Pilates and ballet as Jennifer Kries did a few years ago.When this came out, I only briefly skimmed it and it didn't grab me, so I didn't read it very carefully.However, a few days ago I decided to give this one a chance, and now I am impressed.

Unlike most of the other Pilates-writers out there, Weeks' does not have a background in performance.Her exposure to ballet is through classes- the way most of her readers might hope to be exposed as well.The same can be said of her yoga experience, although she is a fully certified Pilates teacher, through Romana no less.In other words, she has the credentials to come up with a system.

The system itself is Warm Up, Core Pilates, Stretching, Hips and Buttocks, Floor Ballet, Back, Standing Ballet, Ballet Combinations, Hatha Yoga and Cool Down.As you can see, the majority of the work is influenced by ballet, although the Hips and Buttocks and Floor Ballet segments combine techniques from the other disciplines as well.Although all of the segments are well-thought out and illustrated, the ones that I found most helpful were the Floor Ballet and Ballet Combinations.I have not seen many of the exercises from the Floor Ballet segments elsewhere, and I find them to be really effective.The Ballet Combinations were both new and inspirational.Although I wouldn't go so far as to say that I felt like a dancer doing them, these exercises did provide that element that I've been looking for in my own exercise routine, and I look forward to doing them again.

This is a great supplement to your other workout regimens, but I feel it can also stand on its own. ... Read more

Book Description
The latest volume in Black Dog’s successful book-and-CD series combines the mesmerizing stories of the world’s great ballets with fun facts, dancing how-tos, history, profiles— all accompanied by charming original watercolors.

From Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to Peter and the Wolf and Fancy Free, the of twenty-five of the world’s best-loved ballets are told, accompanied by corresponding tracks on an enclosed CD. These are the charming stories that bring ballet to life on the stage, along with the music that has made them into enduring classics.

Surrounding the stories is a captivating, illustrated history of ballet, each page filled with information, artwork, and profiles of the world’s great dancers, choreographers, and composers. There are even instructions on ballet positions and the key moves that every dancer needs to know.

The musical selections included on the CD are keyed to specific points in the text, making the book uniquely interactive, educational, and fun. ... Read more